Lillian Wiles

Lillian C. Wiles, age 97, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at Greenwood Village South. She was born January 26, 1912 in Henry County, Indiana, the only child of the late Fred and Mary (Wampler) Cornwell. In 1925 the family moved to New Castle, Indiana. She graduated from New Castle High School in 1930 and in 1931 she married Reed Wiles. In the mid 1970s they retired to Traphill, North Carolina. After Reed died in 1990, she continued to live in North Carolina until 1998 when she moved to Greenwood.

The Methodist church was always a big part of Lillian’s life. She was a former member of Trinity United Methodist Church in New Castle and of Charity United Methodist Church in North Carolina. Most recently she was a member of the Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church in Greenwood, Indiana. At Trinity she was involved with the youth group and taught the Sunday School class for this group. Music was also important to her. She served as pianist and organist at both churches and led the choir. She also provided piano and organ lessons for both youth and adults.

In her fifties, Lillian began taking art lessons and became locally known for her landscapes and buildings. Among the pictures she painted in New Castle were oil paintings of the old Parker School and the old junior high school. Her eye for art carried over to the quilts and baskets that she made.

Survivors include a son: Mahlon Wiles of Port Lavaca,,TX; a daughter: Dixie Ray of Bloomington, IN; six grandchildren: Michael Wiles of Port Lavaca, TX, Teresa Thompson of Indianapolis, Linda Turner of New Castle, Marshall Ray of Richmond, IN, Robert Ray and Laura Klein, both of Bloomington, IN; eight great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, November 14 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Reverend Adrienne Curtis officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 PM Friday, November 13, 2009. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or Charity Untied Methodist Church with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .