Wilsie Ardelia (Groce) Quailes

Wilsie Ardelia Quailes, departed this life on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at her home in Bridgeville, DE.

In Goldsboro, MD on February 14, 1932, Wilsie was born to the late Mary E. and Rayfield T. Groce, Sr.

She received her education from Ridgely Elementary School, Lockerman High School in Denton, MD and later in life, went on to graduate from James H. Groves High School in May of 1970.

Wilsie had various jobs including canning and sewing factories, General Foods as well as being a Deputy Sherriff for the town of Georgetown, DE. However, her main and most important job that brought her the most joy and was the highlight of her life was being at home caring for her family which she loved.

On July 23, 1980, Wilsie, (in her own words), “Accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and was saved, born again, baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit on September 14, 1980, at Mother Church of God in Christ in Wilmington, DE under the leadership of Reverend Ross B. Rainey.” She loved the Lord, loved reading His word, thoroughly enjoyed talking about and sharing the gospel with others, as well as being a constant prayer warrior. After any gathering, it was absolute must to have a circle of prayer before anyone left her home. At one point, she taught Sunday School to the neighborhood children and hosted several bible studies at her home. Prior to her illness, she was a devoted member of Apostolic United Pentecostal Church of Federalsburg, MD under the leadership of Pastor Stanford B. Ricks.

On April 1, 1950, Wilsie married her high school sweetheart, George Frederick Quailes and from this union was born eight children – Ardelia, Larry, Howard, Barry, Constance, Donald, Alvin and Vanessa. Although these were her biological children, there are many that she adopted as hers and they call her “Mom” to this day.

Wilsie enjoyed life and she loved family gatherings with her siblings and In-laws, especially around the holidays. She would most often be found in the kitchen cooking up some of that “Good Ole Soul Food” which she learned from her mother. She also enjoyed being around the BBQ grill with friends and relatives as she played with and watched her children and grandchildren running around outside.

Her main hobby was bowling where she traveled around with bowling leagues competing against others, as well as on her computer doing the same. Wilsie had many quotes and sayings to include, but not limited to: “Got to be more careful, A heap sees but a few knows, we’re born but we’re not buried, Now look, Yeah-yeah and Oh for crying out loud!” Many of these sayings you’ll find being quoted by her children and grandchildren to this day.

Wilsie’s love of family will be caried on through her children she leaves to cherish her memory: Ardelia Hudson (Tommie) and Larry Quailes of New Castle, DE, Barry Quailes of Ocala, FL, Constance Quailes of Wilmington, DE, Donald Quailes (Lupe) of San Juan, TX, Alvin Quailes of Laurel, DE, and Vanessa Quailes Ricks (Stanford) of Seaford, DE, Special Godchildren: Jerome and Glenda Houston of Greenwood, DE Sisters: Doris Washington and Freda Hairston (Edward) of Wilmington, DE and Joan Redwood (Christopher) of Port St Lucie, FL, one Brother: Donald Groce of Brooklyn, New York, one Sister-n-law: Catherine Groce of Goldsboro, MD, one Brother-n-law: Dudley Lloyd of Seaford, DE and a host of grandchildren, great grands, relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Wilsie was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years: George Frederick Quailes, one son: Howard Nathaniel Quailes, one grandson: Keith Allen Quailes, Sisters: Mildred Groce, Pearl Evans and Marie Blake, Brothers: Irvin Groce and Rayfield T. Groce, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to:

Vitas Health Care

30265 Commerce One, Suite 202

Millsboro, DE 19966

Lovingly submitted: The Family

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