Celesta Wiley-Burton

Celesta Jean Wiley Burton departed this life Saturday, June 9, 2018, at her home in Daytona
Beach, Florida. She was born in Ennis, Texas, to the union of Minnie V. Washington and Herman M. Burton on March 13, 1941. Although she grew up in Syracuse, New York, she was so proud of her birth city, that she chose to return there during her senior year, to graduate from Ennis High School.

Celesta accepted Christ at a very young age, and always placed Him first and foremost in her life. She accepted her call home to Glory to be welcomed by Christ, along with her parents, Minnie V., and Herman. Following high school graduation, Celesta continued her quest for knowledge. She was the recipient of
master’s degrees from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York, and Occidental College in Los Angeles, California.

Celesta was married to Edwin K. Wiley, a young
journalist and businessman who was supportive of
her business career. Her role as guidance counselor and employment specialist with the Urban League earned for her the coveted “National Urban Fellowship Award”. She worked as Associate Director of a careers training program in Paterson, New Jersey. She was especially pleased with her work as Special Assistant to the former Los Angeles mayor, Tom Bradley. Following this position, Celesta was employed by Rockwell International Corp’s Aerospace Shuttle Program, where she was named Manager of Material Administration, and was the highest-ranking black woman with the company.

A woman of great strength and determination, Celesta received numerous awards in recognition of her services. She was published in two issues of Jet Magazine, and was featured in the nationally distributed Weight Watchers Magazine for exemplifying exceptional determination and endurance.

Celesta will be greatly missed by many friends and relatives, and leaves to cherish her memory, life, and legacy: one aunt, Rosie B. Prettyman of Dallas, Texas; sisters, Susan and Loranda Burton; brother, Marva Burton of Los Angeles, California; special cousins, Elva R. Williams (Charles), Prude “Scooter” of Dallas, Texas, and Malissia (Marcus) Morgan of Coppell, Texas; best friend, Joan Henson of Las Vegas, Nevada; special friends, Janice Miles of Daytona Beach, Florida, and Janice Hopkins of Dallas, Texas; and numerous other relatives and friends.