Obituary of Frances Harper Wheeler

Frances Harper Wheeler, born a proud native of Savannah, Georgia on the 27th of February 1951, died peacefully at her home of 37 years in Ozark, Alabama on the 23rd of May 2024 at the age of 73 years. Her immediate family celebrated and honored her life and memory with a private memorial service. Frances was known and loved by her friends, co-workers, and family as a kind and generous person who loved to laugh. As a natural entertainer, she was a wonderful storyteller with a legendary sense of humor. As a prolific reader she wanted to share her love for books with not only her own children but also the children that were part of her professional life for over 30 years; spending her own time and resources curating a robust library and reading environment for them to discover, explore, and enjoy the world of reading. Frances was a devoted wife who spent 20 of her married years as a military wife. Although not always easy with time spent apart from her husband while raising two children, she greatly enjoyed the opportunities it allowed for making indelible friendships and memories. Frances also loved and took full advantage of the opportunity to explore Europe, not only with her husband but with her beloved parents, as well. She was a renowned cook for her family and loved gardening. During those early years as a military wife, she was the director of a U.S. Army Child Care Center at Fort Gordon GA, and Fort Stewart GA. In that capacity, she knew and was proud to have worked for General “Storming” Norman Schawartzkopf. Continuing her passion for childcare and education, Frances graduated Magna Cum Laude from Troy State University and worked in the Ozark City Schools System for over 30 years. Upon her retirement from education, she was a third-grade teacher, her preferred and primary niche. With dedication, enthusiasm, and love for her students, Frances took her role as an Early Childhood Educator very seriously and spent numerous evening and weekend hours in her classroom at Mixon Elementary School preparing for the next week’s lessons and providing support to her collogues whenever she could. During her final weeks in hospital, she was delighted to meet several former students who had become health care providers. They expressed their love and admiration for her with kind words and hugs. Frances joins her beloved mother Mary Cecile Harper and father Bernard Harper in death and is survived by the love of her life, and best friend, her husband of 53 years, David Wheeler. She is also survived by her beloved children, Wendy and Eric Wheeler; her daughter-in-law, Hannah (Spann) Wheeler; her grandchildren Lyla, Lincoln, and William Wheeler (Eric); Nathan Thompson (Wendy); her brother Joseph Harper; sisters Madge Eleanor Harper and Elise Harper Monti; her goddaughter and special niece Heather Harper. She was preceded in death by oldest Brother Robert John Harper Jr, sister Rita Harper DeLorme, sister (Sister) Mary Harper RSM, sister Ann Harper Carter, brother Michael Harper, sister Joan Harper Roberts, brother Patrick Harper, sister Mary Isabelle Harper Fields, and brother Bernard (Buzz) William Harper. SAY LOVE AGAIN I know you said You love me but . . . Say love again. As gentle rain These words bring to blossom All that is joy When said by you. They are honey to my heart. Hold up my square of sky And candle the stars I travel by. --- GLADYS MCKEE Frances can be remembered with donations to the Dothan Education Foundation.