Iris Wheelis

Iris Margaret Wheelis was a caring mother, grandmother, and friend. She passed away peacefully with her family in Cleveland Georgia on Monday, April 5th, 2021. Iris was born February 16, 1921 at Port Melbourne Australia to George and Lily Edwards. Iris was the eldest sibling to Sisters, Eva and Linda and her Brother Jack. They grew up in the suburb of Brunswick.

She fell for a soldier from Paragould Arkansas named Raymond Wheelis who was stationed in Australia during WWII. Soon she was on a ship with other war brides and she arrived in Paragould, Arkansas. Everyone fell in love with Iris and she became well known in the community and worked for First National Bank for over 35 years. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church. Iris moved to Georgia in 2010 with her surviving daughter, Diane Wheelis Long and son-in-law Michael Long. She was happy to be closer to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she always tried to keep up with her family and friends back home in Arkansas.

Iris was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Wheelis, parents George and Lily Secomb Edwards; sisters Eva and Linda; brother Jack Edwards; granddaughter Allison Owens and nephew, Fred Wilcox.

Survivors include daughter Diane (Michael) Long, grandchildren, Lesli Ankava; great grandchildren, Ashley Blair, Callee Cross, Ethan Ankava and Marlee Littleton; sister-in-law Wilma Wheelis; niece Janice Wilcox and Patsy Wheelis, nephew Charles Wheelis and a multitude of cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Friday at 2:00 PM at Heath Chapel with Rev. Dane Womack officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.