Nellie Jane Wheeler Wilk

Nell was born on April 23rd, 1933, in Memphis Tennessee, to Robert Wheeler and Ethel Wheeler. She passed away September 7th, 2021 after battling dementia for several years. Growing up, Nell was a motherly figure to her four siblings John Wheeler, Robert “Bubba” Wheeler Jr, and Margaret “Maggie” Collier, Elizabeth “Betty” Foltz. She spent many of her childhood years at Sisters of the Good Shepard Convent in Fraser TN, where she developed her strong Catholic Faith. She also cherished her Uncle Wiley Wheeler, who looked after her as a child. In 1953 Nell and her childhood friend Rosemary departed on a cross country adventure. Rosemary drove with her boyfriend who was a serviceman, leaving Nell to accompany his fellow serviceman Nello Yeargan so he would not have to travel alone. Rosemary made it to California, and Nell ended up in Ardmore Oklahoma, where she married Nello on August 12, 1953. Together, they had five children, Michael, Mark, Terry, Melissa, and Melanie. They have eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Nell and Nello were married for thirty-two years. Nell had several hobbies, including Gardening, Decorating, Cooking, and Reading. She also took great pride in her appearance, whether it be her fashion, hair, or make-up, she was always put together. However, nothing meant more to her than her family. She devoted most of her life to raising her children and cherished the time spent with her grandchildren. During her final years as a resident of the Laurels of Chatham, Nell had a special bond with many of the staff members. Nell’s family will forever be indebted to the Laurel’s staff for their wonderful care and love of their mother. She is preceded in death by her first husband Nello Yeargan, her parents Robert and Ethel Wheeler, her siblings John Wheeler, Robert “Bubba” Wheeler Jr, Margaret “Maggie” Collier. Elizabeth “Betty” Foltz. Nell is survived by her children, son, Michael Yeargan (Laurie) and their children, Carrie Mintz (Kevin), Jenny Yeargan, and her great- grandson Gavin Mintz: son, Mark Yeargan (Susan) and their children Rebecca Yeargan, Anna Matlock (Matt), and her great- grandson Noah Matlock, son, Terry Yeargan (Julia) and their children sons Rowland Yeargan, Bennett Yeargan, Marshal Yeargan, daughter, Melissa Hughes (Billy) and their children David Hughes (Heather), Carley Milinichik (Joshua) and her great- grandchildren William Hughes, Hailey Hughes, Harper Milinichik, Cooper Hughes, Penelope Milinichik, and Odin Milinichik, daughter, Melanie Carden (Michael-deceased) children Kevin Carden, Sarah Carden (Josh Faulk) her great-grandson Mason Faulk. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who was devoted to her family and faith. We will miss her dearly, but find comfort in our many memories.

Nellie Jane Wheeler Wilk

April 23, 1933 - September 7, 2021