Pat Wheeler

Billie Patricia Wheeler, daughter of the late Willie "Bill" Waggoner and Opal Hudgens Waggoner, was born on Monday, December 7, 1931, and departed this life on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro at the age of 91 years, 8 months and 23 days. Born and raised in Pemiscot County and a descendant of the first pioneers to settle the area along the Mississippi River in Dry Bayou, MO, Pat was a 1949 graduate of Wardell High School and a licensed Practical Nurse. Over the years she held various secretarial positions, including Office Manager of US Congressman Bill Burlison's Home District Office. Pat also served her community as a Child Advocate for the Dunklin County Court. As a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Kennett, she offered sacred service as a choir member, pianist and Youth Sunday School teacher. As an avid lover of classical music, she was a member of the Wednesday Music Club and a lifelong financial supporter of animal welfare and veterans. On September 16th, 1954, she was united in marriage to Garland Gene Wheeler of Kennett who preceded her in death. Pat was also preceded in death by her parents, Willie "Bill" Waggoner and Opal Hudgens Waggoner of Wardell and her brother, Don Waggoner of Kennett. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Karen Wheeler of Jonesboro, AR and son, David Wheeler (Ann Kelly) and granddaughter, Mary Garland "Maggie" Wheeler of New York, NY. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Powell Funeral Chapel in Kennett with Reverend Steven Scherer officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue until time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in the name of Pat Wheeler to the Kennett Humane Department, 200 Cedar Street, Kennett, MO 63857 (573) 888-4622 or the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 300 St. Francis Street, Kennett, MO 63857 Powell Funeral & Cremation Services, Kennett is in charge of arrangements.