Ernestine Spears Wheeler

Ernestine Spears Wheeler, 94, of Jonesboro, joined her Lord and Savior in eternal rest Wednesday January 11, 2012.
She was a Jonesboro native, born March 8, 1917 into one of Jonesboro’s founding families who traced their roots to Mrs. Wheeler’s maternal great-grandfather, a leading Craighead County pioneer in the mid 1800’s. She spent virtually her entire life as a Jonesboro resident, graduating from Jonesboro schools and working there in several capacities in the administrative offices; she culminated her professional career as the head administrative assistant to the Superintendent in the 1950’s.
A lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, she served in nearly every adult and youth education department in a variety of leadership and stewardship roles, including a brief period as interim adult education superintendent. A gifted teacher who was adept at translating biblical truths into modern-day life situations, she led many Christian education classes, the highlight being her most recent position as the beloved leader of the ladies Phebean class for nearly 30 years.
Mrs. Wheeler was an active contributor to the local community, working tirelessly to support Jonesboro schools as president of the Parents Teachers Associations for Jonesboro High and West Elementary as well as the JHS Band Boosters. Her civic associations included the Elks Lodge and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She researched and compiled an extensive history on the settling of Northeast Arkansas that was published by the Craighead County Historical Society.
Survivors include daughter Sandra McGee and husband Dan of Arlington, Texas, daughter Ellise Esselman and husband Steven of Waxahachie, Texas, son Archie Wheeler and wife Cheryl of Branson, Missouri, son Steve Wheeler of Castle Rock, Colorado, daughter-in-law Jo Wheeler of Jonesboro, twelve grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husbands Graydon Griffin and Ellis Wheeler, son Randall Wheeler, and sisters faye Galloway Marion Vowels and Carolyn Detrick.
Graveside services will be Monday, January 16 at 9:30 a.m. at Jonesboro Memorial Park under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro. A memorial service celebrating Mrs. Wheeler’s life will be at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Bruce Tippit officiating.
Active pallbearers will be grandsons Randy Wheeler, Scott Wheeler, Shane Wheeler, and Evan Esselman and great-grandsons Matthew Wheeler, Andrew Wheeler, and Brock Wheeler. Honorary pallbearers will be Arthur Wallace, Nina Coleman, Dr. Ray Hall, Dr. Randy Roberts, Marlin Gennings, and members of the Phebean Class of First Baptist Church.
The family requests that anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial, in lieu of flowers, to please consider the Emil Williams Care Center at First Baptist Church, the Jonesboro Health Care Center, or Hospice Care of Northeast Arkansas.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m Sunday evening, Jan 15, at Emerson Funeral Home. To sign an online guest book, go to emersonfuneralome.com.