Margery Wheeler

Margery Maddox Wheeler, age 94, a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, died early Monday morning, October 25, 2021, at her home in Cleveland, TN.

The oldest of twelve children born to Joseph Leslie and Marjorie Morrow Maddox, Marge was born in Elmore County Alabama and graduated from Elmore County High School in Eclectic, AL. After graduating, she worked for Southern Bell as a telephone operator in Sylacauga, AL and it was during this time that she met her future husband, Tom Wheeler, on a blind date. After a whirlwind courtship, they eloped and spent the next 62 years together, living first in Auburn, AL, followed by 4 years in Ft. Payne, AL, 48 years in Boaz, AL, and finally, their remaining years in Cleveland, TN.

Marge was a “bloom where you are planted” kind of person.  She embraced each place she lived, contributing to her community through volunteer activities in the local schools, churches, and civic organizations. She served as a den mother for Cub Scouts, a troop leader for Brownie and Girl Scouts, a room mother for her children’s school classes, a band booster, a PTA member, a Sunday-School teacher and superintendent, as well as President of the United Methodist Women. While in Boaz she wrote a column for the local newspaper, was a member of the Twentieth Century Study Club, and was a strong supporter of the Mountain-Valley Arts Council. After moving to Cleveland TN, Marge was a faithful and supporting member of Broad Street United Methodist Church. Also a member of the Cleveland Music Club, the Newcomers Club and several bridge clubs in Cleveland, Marge was always on the go, having fun with friends and expanding her horizons. She was a master cook, an ace duplicate bridge player, an avid Auburn Tiger, and a hostess extraordinaire. Marge was a loving mother and she embraced every member of her growing family. Nothing gave her more joy than visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her son Tom Wheeler III (wife Vicki) of Cleveland, TN, her daughter Beth Langstaff (husband Witt) of Greenville, SC, her adored grandchildren Witt Langstaff (wife Addie) of Decatur, GA, Emily Merrell (husband John) of Greenville, SC, Cathy Moore, Denver, CO, and Noel Moore, New York City, NY, and precious great-grandchildren Jack and Kate Merrell and Wren Langstaff. Also surviving are dear siblings Sara Shaw (Raymond), Judy Goff (Bill), Bobbie Maddox, Carol Perry, and Walter Maddox, along with many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Marge was predeceased by her siblings Charles (Wilma) Maddox, Betty (Henry) Nichols, Dorothy Gunn (Bo), Jane Harris (Bo), Inez Marshall (John), and Brenda Maddox.

A Celebration of Marge’s life will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2021 in the sanctuary of Broad Street UMC in Cleveland, TN at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Sylacauga, AL on December 4, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Holston United Methodist Home for Children, 404 Holston Drive, Greeneville, TN 37743 or to Broad Street UMC, 155 Central Avenue NW, Cleveland, TN 37311.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Garden Plaza and Life Care for their loving and compassionate care, as well as to Donna Payton of Helping Hands of Cleveland and special caregivers Donna Hulsey, Linda Thompson, Launa Bell, Diane Heil and Dianne Dyer. A very special thanks to Dr. Dan Vance and Dr. Janet Snoddy for the loving care and devoted friendship that they have shared with Marge for so many years.