Kathleen Wheeler
Our mother, Kathleen Joyce (Pearson) Wheeler, passed away at the Etheridge House in Union City on Aug. 26, 2023, at the age of 91.
She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who was always there when her family needed her. She had many friends and was a well-loved member of the community in Milan and Union City. Main Street Church of Christ in Milan was her home church of many years.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m. at Bodkin Funeral Home in Milan. Visitation with the family began at 11 a.m.
She loved to travel, especially to the Great Smoky Mountains, and to take cruises. Her sense of humor was something that delighted all who knew her. She had a contagious laugh and smile, and that same sense of humor endured even through her final days. Sewing and making quilts were her favorite hobbies for years, but reading and travel became her passions after her retirement in 2017.
Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Vicki (Terry) Reed of Union City; and her sons, Kenneth Wheeler of Milan and Jerry (Paula) Wheeler of Madison, Ala. She also leaves nine grandsons: Cory (Laura) Wheeler of Milan, Michael (Laney) Rogers of Union City, Kris (Lori) Wheeler of Gainesville, Ga., Gary (Danielle) Wheeler of Lexington, Jason (Robin) Rogers of Union City, Brian (Felicia) Wheeler of Knoxville, Matthew (Amber) Wheeler of Madison, Ala.; Jesse (Ali) Wheeler of Clarksville and Scott Wheeler of Athens Ala. Her lasting legacy includes 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Wanda Crossett of Huntingdon; her sister-in-law, Sandra Pearson of Cedar Grove; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Aaron Wheeler. Together they were in business in Milan for nearly 70 years, initially in partnership with family as Milan Motor Company and later as Wheeler Sales and Service. She was also preceded by her parents, Dudley Max and Mattie Hazel Pearson; her brothers, Dewayne, Harold, Billy and Jimmy Pearson; and her sisters, Bertie Logan and Marie Burr. She was raised in the Terry Community of Cedar Grove.
Our mother loved flowers; however, if you prefer, please consider donations to the American Heart Association, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the Alzheimer’s or Dementia health association of your choice.
Published in The Messenger 8.30.23