Wheeler, Collen Craig

Coleen Lucile Craig Wheeler, age 97, died on Sunday, September 3, in Blacksburg, Virginia. Coleen was the last surviving child of Martha Lucile Ivey Stallings and William Pinkney Craig. Born on October 5, 1925, in Schoolfield, Virginia, she spent most of her adult life in Bristol, Virginia.

She was a licensed pilot and served in the Civil Air Patrol. Coleen was married to “Jack” C.H. Wheeler for 43 years. They shared four children together, all of whom are still living: Stephen Craig Wheeler, John Michael Wheeler, Jennifer Irene Wheeler Makin, and Anne Cecile Wheeler Harris. Coleen also had eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, in whom she took great joy and delight.

She cherished family and spent her early married years as a mother and homemaker. She enjoyed entertaining and was known by all for her delicious cooking – especially her pies. Later in life, she became an award winning agent for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. She was a long-time member of Central Presbyterian Church in Bristol, Virginia, where she taught classes, sang in the choir, and was involved in mission projects. She was deeply committed to the Christian life, and all who knew her were blessed by it in infinite ways. The light she carried touched everyone who met her. Even in her final days, her caregivers noted her kindness. She continues to abide with us in spirit.

Interment will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, at Glenwood/Shelby Hills Cemetery in Bristol, Tennessee, followed by a 2:00 p.m. Service of Witness to the Resurrection at Central Presbyterian Church. A “pie and coffee” reception will follow the service. The family asks that memorial contributions be sent to Central Presbyterian Church, 331 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA 24201.