Althea Carlisle

Althea Theresa Carlisle was born on Sunday, March 2, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana — and from that very first day, she brought style, strength, and just the right amount of sparkle into the world.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Morris Carlisle (2018); her parents, William Peter Wiltz, Jr. (1987) and Blanche Mary Honoré Wiltz (2000); and her siblings Betty Lassai (2013), Mary Byrd (2011), William Wiltz, III (2020), and Wanda Wiltz-Slaughter (2024). She is remembered fondly by her loving siblings: Elaine (Alvin) Blouin, Larry (Gilda) Wiltz, Jennifer (Al) Matthew, and Freda (Alfred) Liggans.

A proud graduate of McDonogh #35 High School in New Orleans, Class of 1965, Althea carried herself with the confidence and excellence that defined her throughout life. Shortly after, she began building what would become her greatest joy — her family. She was the devoted mother of Theresa (Greg) Brown, Joseph (Magda) Brown, Jr., Celena (Guy) Rivers, and Charles Gulley II.

In 1970, Althea began her distinguished career with the City of Dallas as a Clerk at the Action Center. Through determination, intelligence, and undeniable leadership, she steadily rose through the ranks — serving as Supervisor and District Manager in Street & Sanitation Services, Sr. Contract Manager in Health & Human Services, Assistant Director in Code Enforcement, and ultimately retiring in 2005 as Assistant Director in Courts & Detention Services after 34 years of exemplary public service. She didn’t just clock in — she made an impact.

Retirement did not slow her down. Instead, it opened another chapter of service. As a committed member of the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc., Althea continued to uplift her community. She served faithfully as Financial Secretary, 2nd Vice President, and proudly as President from 2013–2015. Under her leadership, programs such as Adopt-A-Nursing Home and Adopt-A-School flourished, along with initiatives focused on youth mentorship, health awareness, domestic violence prevention, employment support, and community empowerment. 

Her legacy continues through her treasured grandchildren: Kimberly Brown, Krystal Gardea, Joseph Brown III, Khadijah Brown, Aaliyah Brown, Ahmad Brown, Ray Charles Gulley III, Guy Rivers II, Alena Rivers, and Alana Rivers. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Amora Brown, Julien Guerrero, Nyomi Gardea, Avery Guerrero, Enzo Gardea, and Ariyah Brown — each one a bright extension of her love.

Althea believed life was meant to be enjoyed. She loved board and card games — especially Backgammon, Pokeno, Pitty Pat, Solitaire, and War — and if you sat at her table, you’d better come ready to play, laugh, and lose. She adored movies and television, particularly westerns. A good western, a comfortable seat, and maybe a little commentary from her made for a perfect evening.

Additionally, Althea loved to entertain — hosting gatherings where everyone felt welcomed, included, and well-fed. She believed in good company, good conversation, and making sure nobody left without a smile.

And of course, those who knew her best will forever remember one of her favorite sayings: “Wine and dine me.” She loved to be pampered, celebrated, and appreciated — and she absolutely deserved it.

Althea Theresa Carlisle lived a life of leadership, love, service, laughter, and grace. She was a strong wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, leader, mentor, and friend. Her presence filled rooms. Her leadership lifted communities. Her love strengthened generations.

Though she may no longer be physically with us, her spirit lives on in every lesson she taught, every gathering she hosted, every game she won, and every life she touched. Well done, Althea. You are truly one of a kind — and heaven just gained a woman who expects to be properly “wined and dined.” And in the immortal words of Althea Theresa Carlisle, “let’s shut it down.”

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