Mrs. Leslie Wheeler
Mrs. Leslie Wheeler, affectionately known as Les, passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at a local hospital. Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at First Community Baptist Church, Sandersville, Georgia with Rev. Tracey Wheeler officiating. Interment was held in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Wheeler was born in Washington County, Georgia the fourth child of the late Mr. Briscoe Johnson and the late Mrs. Rosa Rolling Johnson.
She attended the public schools of Washington County. At an early age she joined Springfield Missionary Baptist Church where she was an active member of the gospel choir, Deaconess Board and the Missionary Board. Later in life, she was a charter member of First Community Baptist Church, serving faithfully as Sunday School teacher, Missionary Board member and church treasurer.
In 1947, Leslie was united in marriage to the late Mr. George Wheeler. This union was blessed with one daughter, Ms. Barbara Elaine Wheeler.
Leslie pursued many occupational options. She was employed at Rawlings Sanitarium and performed domestic duties for various families in the community. In the late 1970’s she joined her husband, George, in his entrepreneurial efforts with the opening of Wheeler’s Grocery. This opportunity led to her forging many lasting relationships with the children of her community. Mrs. Les always greeted you with a smile, kind words and never rushed you to leave. She listened to your troubles and usually gave her honest instructions, “pray on it and God will let you know what to do.”
She was blessed with many talents that she gracefully shared with her family and friends. She was an outstanding cook and baker. Her made from scratch pound cakes were loved and enjoyed by many. All of her recipes, thoughtfully shared with her family never turned our like the original. Les was an avid reader whom loved all types of printed materials. Once she finished reading her newspaper, she could usually share all of the information from the front page to the classifieds. Her love of reading was instrumental in the educational development of her grandchildren and especially her great grandchildren. Only Bigma could recite any Dr. Seuss book from memory and hold your attention indefinitely.
Leslie was blessed with a soul stirring soprano voice that she truly enjoyed sharing with her church family and the community. She diligently performed with several community choirs over the years: Dorothy Trawick Combined Choir, Washington County Community Choir under the direction of Elder Goldwire McClendon and the Rising Stars Choir. When not performing, she enjoyed attending gospel programs throughout her community, never being late and staying until the last song was performed.
She was preceded in death by her oldest sister Ms. Katie Frances and her two brothers: Mr. Emory Johnson and Mr. Robert Johnson.
Mrs. Wheeler leaves to cherish her memories a devoted daughter: Ms. Barbara Wheeler, Sandersville, Georgia; sister: Mrs. Virginia McClarin, Sandersville, Georgia; granddaughter: Mrs. Valencia (Donald) Buck, Sr.; grandson: Mr. Emory Wheeler, Montgomery, Alabama; seven great grandchildren: Ms. Courtney Elaine Buck, Valdosta, Georgia, Mr. Emory Scott Wheeler, Dallas, Texas, Ms. Cayla Breanna Buck, Lawrenceville, Georgia, Mr. Justin Cortez Wheeler, Columbus, Georgia, Ms. Cassidi Cherice Buck, Mr. Donald Buck, Jr., Ms. Claire Leslie Buck, Sandersville, Georgia; adopted granddaughter: Mrs. Tracey Morgan, Sandersville, Georgia; three sisters-in-law: Mrs. Florence Moore, Stone Mountain, Georgia, Ms. Ruby Wheeler, Levittown, Pennsylvania, Minister Hattie M. Wheeler, Sandersville, Georgia; devoted niece: Mrs. Jacquelyn Merrell and family; a host of other relatives and friends. M.C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.
