Winnie Marie Walter Wheeler entered this world on January 7, 1948, and departed September 12, 2021, at 8:04 pm as the scripture Hebrews 11: 16 was being read aloud to her: "But now they desire a better country,
that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."
Winnie was named after her grandmother Winnie Oliver Kelley whom she loved dearly, and spent many formative years with her on the family homestead in Itasca, Texas.
She was a very precocious child and gifted athlete, acing exams made for students in higher grade levels, playing varsity basketball while only a freshman and always making the A-Honor Roll with flying colors. Winnie was smart! And good-looking, turning all the boys' heads.
She attended John Henry Brown Elementary School in Dallas ISD before going on to graduate from Lincoln High School and attending El Centro Community College.
During her professional career she worked as Executive Administrative Assistant for Head Start of Dallas and later the King Wire and Cable Company. A gregarious person, her retirement years were spent taking time to be with friends and family, playing dominoes and enjoying good food and good company.
A true Good Samaritan, Winnie never met a stranger and was a bright light wherever she went. If somebody
needed something, if she didn't have it, she would help them get it. And whenever she raised it - like when it
was time for you to come in the house at dusk! - her distinct, high-pitched voice could be heard as much as a
mile away! She acknowledged Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, but her kids, grandkids and great-grands were the light and joy of her life, with her final words of prayer being "Father God, please watch over my
children."
She is preceded in death by her father Carl Winston Wilson, Sr and spouses Herman Wheeler, Earnest
Franklin, Jr and Joseph Smallwood. She is survived by her mother Wilma Wilson, siblings Stephen Leon
Miller, Sr., Carl Winston Wilson, Jr. and Loyace Renee McDowell, her five children Rossi Walter, Sr. (Jennifer), Kendell Wheeler, Sr., Dayatra Moore (Lonzo), Jarrod Wheeler and Detron Wheeler, God-daughter Shona as well as 22 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and a wealth of friends - Miss Helen, Ricky, Glen, Richard Chapman, Danimal – too many to count, but you know who you are. Many thanks to the expert staff at Charlton Methodist Hospital, UT Southwestern Medical Center and T. Boone Pickens Faith Hospice who took such great care of her during these past few months. You guys are awesome!
Winnie has entered her better country, the city that God has prepared for her.