Ilene Williams Wooten

A beginning and an end are charged to each of us. So, it was for Ilene Williams Wooten, who made her entrance into this world on December 5,1955 to Willie Lee and Sadie Rae Williams. Ilene, “Tootie Fruity” 67, was born in Ayden, NC and departed this life on February 22, 2023 at ECU Health- The Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice, Greenville, NC. Ilene grew up in and around Ayden and attended South Ayden High School, Ayden-Grifton High School (Class of 1974) and Pitt Community College. While in high school, Ilene met Benjamin F. Wooten, they married August 17, 1974 and remained for 48 years. Within this union two children were born. During her childhood years Ilene attended Poplar Hill FWB Church, then later began attending Philippi Church of Christ faithfully until her health would not physically allow. She loved attending church and listening to gospel music. Ilene, being the oldest of her siblings, she was that sister that was looked up to. She was the queen of dress, known as the “fashionista” to all those that knew her. Ilene loved wearing the highest heels that she could withstand; kept her hair, nails and makeup complete for any and all occasions that would allow; always wanted to look her best and that was what she did. Ilene was also known for speaking her mind and meaning what she said whether it was verbal or nonverbal with her “eyes” talking. Ilene loved traveling and hosting gatherings with family, friends and the neighborhood kids with Tasha and Derrick. Ilene was that second mother to their friends, and they loved her, even when she would scold them and they would not be upset, they would always come back for more. “Miss Ilene,” the name they gave her. Over the span of her life Ilene was employed at Rubbermaid (Empire Brush), Kroger, Cox Communications, Pitt County School System and Flanagan’s Funeral Home. In 2010 Ilene decided to retire and began her memberships with Southside Seniors of Greenville, NC and South Ayden Alumni. Ilene was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Ivan, Donnie Ray and Willie “Spanky”. Those left to cherish her memories are her husband, Ben, of the home; daughter, Derria “Tasha” Wooten of Lithonia, GA and son, Derrick Wooten (Lucretia) of Zebulon, NC; three sisters, Linda Kay Williams of Durham, NC; Marietta Williams of Winterville, NC and Karen Cannon (Anthony) of Wilson, NC; devoted friend-sister, Melody Simpson of Greenville, NC; nephews, Corey, Tremaine, Russell and Perseus; one niece, Montressa; one maternal great aunt, Icelean Tucker of Ayden, NC; one paternal aunt, Ethel Dean of Trenton, NJ; special lifetime cousins and friends, Thelma W. Walston of Greensboro, NC, Wanda S. Speight of Ayden, NC, Dollie W. Prayer of Winterville, NC and Patricia C. Graham, Tampa, FL; a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Ilene Williams Wooten

December 5, 1955 - February 22, 2023