Minnie Lee Wise (Nicholes)

Minnie Lee Wise (Nicholes), named after her great-grandmother, was born in Orlando, Florida, August 18, 1943, and was the eldest of three children born to the late Clifford Wise and the late Callie Hill. She was a graduate of Drew High School in Winter Garden, Florida,  received a Liberal Arts degree at Monroe Community College and worked towards a Master’s in Education at Nazareth College. Both post-secondary educational institutions are in Rochester, New York.

Minnie spent the early part of her professional career as an educator for the Detroit public school system in Detroit, Michigan where she assisted students in Kindergarten through 12th grade with English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Math. More importantly, Minnie sought to instill within children confidence to conquer their fears and move forward academically and socially. Following a tenure of successful service in Detroit, Minnie relocated to Rochester, New York in 1979 and was an employee of the Eastman Kodak Company. A woman with her perseverance achieved many accomplishments and most recently fine-tuned her entrepreneurial skills consulting for Pre-Paid Legal. She pressed forward in life despite its challenges and disappointments. She always viewed the drinking glass of life as being half-full, not half-empty.

Throughout Minnie’s life-journey, she enjoyed writing poems, restorative painting, and fishing that was shared with and awed by others. She was a legend! These works of art demonstrated a few of the multiple talents given her by her Creator. The vibrancy of her personality was expressed in the selection of her favorite colors – gold and green.

Minnie’s motherly love for her family and others was tangible and palpable. Minnie’s love and advice shown towards her family and others was tangible, heartfelt and enduring. She spoke with wisdom that was sound and practical -- such insight could only come from Heaven. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and was everyone's best cheerleader. Above all, Minnie-Ma-Momma-Mommy was a woman of God. She trusted the God of Heaven with everything.

Sadly, Minnie was called to rest in Jesus on Thursday, October 21, 2021. Preceded in her death was a sister, Ray Wise Green.  She is survived by her sister, Daisy Wise and aunt, Irene Lamar. To cherish her memory, Minnie leaves four adult children: Kerrye Mack Howard (husband, Derrick), Jocelyn Robinson (husband, Paul), Jacqueline Mack Foster (husband, Carlton) and Josh Mack, Jr.; Grandchildren: Kashaud Mack (wife, Kimberly), Keytahna Kelly, Knekose Micheal Mack, Kneshara Mack, Khalliah Mack, Alex Robinson, Paije Robinson, Marcus Robinson, James Josh Dennis Mack, Moni Pure, Thomas Davidson, Krisiten Davidson, Joshua Mack and Taya Mack; Great-grandchildren: Kamden Mack, Kayden Mack, Kyron Kelly, KyShaun Kelly, Kylisa Kelly, Knemiah Morrison, Mariuno Armour, Melanie Armour, Maximillian Robinson, Ja’Mare F. Mack, James Mack, Jr., Kennedy Mack and Ja’Mari Mack, Thomas Davidson, Jr. and Thomian Davidson. Also, to celebrate her life, she leaves behind a host of extended family and friends.

Minnie was dearly loved by everyone. We will meet again!

Friends and Family are invited to James R. Gray Funeral Home on Monday, November 8, 2021, from 11 AM - 1 PM for Viewing and Service, followed immediately by procession to White Haven Memorial Park for interment.

Please send cards to Jacqueline Mack, PO Box 536862, Orlando, FL 32853

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