Wanda Wheeler

Wanda Hunkapiller Wheeler, 78, of Birmingham passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on Monday, January 30, 2017. Survivors include her daughters, Rhonda Courson (Danny) and Sharon Winn (Craig); six grandchildren: Samuel, Timothy, and Ruthie Courson, Ashley, Joshua, and Lily Winn; one sister, Juletta Settle (Gray); two brothers, Beaul Hunkapiller (Colleen) and Alton Hunkapiller. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, A. H. "Bo" Wheeler and her parents, Olen and Gracie Lee "Dimple" Collins Hunkapiller. Originally from Guntersville, Wanda grew up on Georgia Mountain. She graduated from Marshall County High School in 1956 and went on to attend Snead State Junior College, Jacksonville State University and UAB, obtaining her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Elementary Education. She taught in public schools for 34 A½ years most of which were in the Birmingham City School System and retired in 1994. At age 19, Wanda married the love of her life and was blessed to have been able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary only three months before his unexpected death in 2008. She was thankful to be a 24-year breast cancer survivor. Wanda lived in the Highland Meadows community for her last 20 years and was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Chalkville. Wanda will be remembered for her Christ-like compassion. She had a nurturing spirit that compelled her to reach out, to take care of, and to protect not only her immediate family, but also her extended family, friends, and even strangers. She gave selflessly, loved whole-heartedly, and served humbly. Even though she only had two daughters she was a "mother" to many. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville and from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2017 with the chapel service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Joel Farrow and Dr. Danny Courson will be officiating.