Obituary: Ida ‘Edna’ Wheeler

Ida “Edna” Wheeler, 85, of Oak Ridge went to be with The Lord on Nov. 18, 2013.

She was born June 14, 1928, in Guntersville, Ala., the daughter of the late Hubert and Edna Bain Caston.

While attending Jacksonville State Teacher’s College, she met and married her husband Sam E. Wheeler Jr. in 1950. She and Sam both received their Bachelor of Science degrees in education. They moved to Oak Ridge in the early 1950s as both began their teaching careers. Edna retired from the Anderson County School System in 2002.

Her husband Sam passed away in 1984, after a loving marriage of 34 years.

She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, feeding, and watching birds, and spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren Miles and Micah. She was full of unconditional love, a role model for so many, and always put others first. She was the most loving and caring mother and grandmother.

The family would like to sincerely thank all the staff at Briarcliff Health Care Center for the amazing care, compassion, and love Mrs. Wheeler received while she was a resident.

Children:

Shanda Wheeler of Oak Ridge

John Wheeler and Lynn Smith of Mossy Grove, Tenn.

Shawn Boswell and husband Tom of Knoxville

Grandchildren:

Miles Boswell of Knoxville

Micah Kirby and husband Tony of Knoxville

Stephanie Sidereas and husband Art of Ten Mile, Tenn.

Great-grandkids:

Drake and Lucius Sidereas of Ten Mile

Brothers and Sisters:

Beth Bell and husband William of Ethelsville, Ala.

Hubert Caston and wife Jane of West Point, Miss.

Herbert Caston and wife Jean of Columbus, Miss.

Carolyn Akin and husband Tom of Oak Ridge

Nieces and nephews:

Ronnie Bell and wife Becky of Ethelsville, Ala

Debbie McLaurin of Ethelsville, Ala.

Tracy Caston and wife Allison of Columbus, Miss.

Neil Caston and wife Mandy of Columbus, Miss.

Greg Caston and wife Trish of Columbus, Miss.

Johnny Caston of Denver

Sam Caston and wife Sarah of Denver

Jenny Caston of West Point, Miss.

Lucy Caston McKellar and husband Jason of West Point, Miss.

Andy Akin of Clinton

Great-nieces and nephews:

Brian Bell and wife Jennifer of Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Jonathan Bell of Ethelsville, Ala.

Michael McLaurin of Guntersville, Ala.

Steven McLaurin of Ethelsville, Ala.

Madison (Maddie) and Sterling Caston of Columbus, Miss.

Alex and Dalton Caston of Columbus, Miss.

Ava Caston of Columbus, Miss.

Caston and Eli McKellar of West Point, Miss.

Max Caston of Denver

Great-great nephew:

Baker Bell of Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Special cousin: Gwen Smith of Valley Head, Ala.

Aunt: Carolyn Bain of Ethelsville, Ala.

Special friends: Lee Ellen Gunter and Charlie Kirby

The family received friends on Friday, Nov. 22, from 6-8 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral followed at 8 p.m. with preacher David Johnson officiating. A graveside service was held on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Anderson Memorial Gardens. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be in the form of contributions to the National Kidney Fund.

Weatherford Mortuary is handling the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.