Verlia Blackwell Wheeler

Verlia Blackwell Wheeler passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 27, 2017 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. She was born March 15, 1933 in Repton, Alabama to Claude and Rosa Blackwell. She graduated from Pensacola Jr College in May of 1953 with an Associates of Art Degree. Verlia met the love of her life, Bill Wheeler, while he was stationed in Pensacola during his Naval service and they married June 4, 1954.

In June of 1963 they moved to Kingsport where they raised their family. First Baptist Church of Kingsport became their church home where Verlia was very involved for many years. Verlia loved her Lord and her family; she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, gmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be greatly missed by all those who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and a brother, William Blackwell.

Verlia is survived by her four children, Teli (Eddie) Marshall, Marshall Wheeler, and Melissa (Mark) Houser, all of Kingsport, and Melinda (David) Shipley of Mooresville, NC; eight grandchildren, Blake (Kim) Houser, Phillip (Virginia) Marshall, Preston (Rachel) Marshall, Heather (Derek) Finn, Joseph Marshall, Abby Shipley, Victoria Wheeler and Billie Wheeler; six great-grandchildren; JM Houser, Lucy and Stella Marshall, Hayverly and Cameron Finn, Harrison Marshall; and brothers, James and Carl Blackwell.

The Wheeler family would like to thank the staff at Elmcroft and Amedisys Hospice for their loving care of Verlia for the past 2 1/2 years. Special thank you to Dr. Bob Lee for his caring, love and guidance.

A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church at 3:00 Sunday September 10, 2017 with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church building fund or First Baptist Church music ministry, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.