Wilma Lee Wheelis

Wilma Wheelis, of Paragould, passed from this life on Friday November 11, 2022, a day after her 90th birthday. She was born in Paragould on November 10, 1932, to the late Charlie and Ida Biggs Wheelis. Wilma graduated from Paragould High School and went to work at KDRS. She decided to go to school to become a flight attendant, but she returned home after being stationed in Chicago. She went back to work at the radio station and became the manager under Ted Rand. Wilma remained with KDRS for 40 years. Wilma then went to work for Dr. Pepper Bottling Company until she retired. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Paragould. She sang in the choir with her best friends, and she even formed a quartet with those friends. Wilma was a selfless person, always considering others first. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond and Iris Wheelis and Robert and Martha Wheelis; nephew, Fred Wilcox; and great niece, Allison Owen.

Wilma is survived by her nieces and nephews, Janice Wilcox of Paragould, Charles (Patsy) Wheelis of Paragould, and Diane (Mike) Long of Cleveland, Georgia; great nieces and nephews, David (Carla) Wilcox, Farrah Wilcox (Curtis Cooksey), Susan Wheelis, C.P. (Judith) Wheelis, and Lesli Ankava; several great great nieces and nephews; and her caregiver and best friend, Rudy, her Maltese.

To honor Wilma, please send memorials to the First United Methodist Church, 404 W. Main St., Paragould, AR 72450.