Mary "Fannie" Frances (Williams) Wheeler

Mary Frances Wheeler, affectionately known as “Fannie”, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022, at the age of 87.  She was born on February 20, 1935, to her parents, Arter and Lou Recee “Mom” James Williams.  She grew up in Warren, Arkansas with her eight siblings and attended Warren High School.

At the age of sixteen, she married her sweetheart, Joe Wheeler, and together they raised their six children, teaching them the most essential fundamentals of life, hunting, fishing, and attending church. 

Fannie worked at the Employment office in Crossett and in Monticello where she eventually retired after several years.

Magnolia Baptist Church was her church home and the home of the extended family, which she loved immensely.  She was honored to call herself a member of the Magnolia Baptist Snails Group, a group of widow ladies who took trips together, fellowshipped together, and just checked up on each other.

Fannie was a joyous soul who had a big time wherever she went, especially if she had a hook in the water.  She could sit all day long and fish, captivated by the beauty and tranquility of what God created.  She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, bowling, and skating, but especially spending time with her beloved grand and great-grandchildren.

She was a firecracker who loved to have fun, loved her church, loved her family, and especially loved the Lord.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Fred Wheeler; two sons, James Ken, and Donald Ray “Donnie” Wheeler; six brothers, and two sisters.

She leaves behind one daughter, Beverly Dalsis (Charles) of Dermott, AR; three sons, Ronnie Wheeler (Becky), Paul Wheeler (Yahanna) both of Crossett, and Randy Wheeler of Marble Falls, TX; and eleven grandchildren, Scott, Justin, Weston, Gabe, Katelynn, Stacia, Brian, Brandy, Eric, Michael, and Chris; along with twenty-three great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild due to make her grand entrance in May; her best friends, Rose Lochala and Lois Childers; and the Snails Group.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 29th, at Magnolia Baptist Church, 822 Marias Saline Rd, in Crossett with Pastor Mike Griffith and Bro. Keith Wesson, officiating followed by interment at the Arkadelphia Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.  Pallbearers are Weston Wheeler, Gabe Wheeler, Chris Watt, Michael Watt, Scott Wheeler, Brian Wheeler, Justin Wheeler, and Dakota Rice.  Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Williams, Ricky Williams, David Lee Williams, Joyce Ann Hunnington, Nancy Grant, Sandra Gray, Helen Ruth, and the Magnolia Baptist Snails Group.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Magnolia Baptist Church Snails Group in care of Mary Jane Howe.

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