Catherine Wheeler, 85, of Brandon, Florida, formerly of Falmouth, Virginia, went to be with our Lord on September 16 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born to Marvin and Ruby (Whittaker) Shelton, and was the oldest of their three children. An excellent student, she graduated from Stafford High School in 1958 and the University of Mary Washington in 1962, where she majored in English. She had a wonderful career teaching high school English for Stafford County Schools for over 30 years, first at Stafford High School and then at North Stafford High School. After retiring from teaching, she embarked on a new career in banking with BB&T Bank (formerly First Virginia Bank). She finally retired in 2002.
Strong in her faith, Catherine was a lifelong Methodist, growing up at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church in Brooke, Virginia. As an adult, she became the choir director and church organist at Andrew Chapel, positions she cherished and held for over 40 years.
When Catherine was 15-years old, she met the love of her life, Merel Wheeler. He was a student at James Monroe High School and worked at the local Safeway where she shopped for her family’s groceries. They married in 1960 and built a house directly next door to her parents. Catherine and Merel were married for over 43 years until his death in early 2004.
Following the death of her mother in 2014, Catherine relocated to Brandon, Florida, to be closer to her daughter’s family. She immediately joined New Hope Church in Brandon, serving as a front desk volunteer and enjoying fellowship with the members of the New Beginnings small group. She loved being closer to her grandson, J.D., who was the light of her life. She attended every swim practice, every swim meet and every chorus concert. Her last big outing was to attend his high school graduation this past May, achieving the goal she had set for herself when her cancer was diagnosed.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Ruby Shelton; infant son, Kevin Wheeler; husband, Merel Wheeler; and brother, Edward Shelton. She is survived by her daughter, Tara (Mike) Prather of Valrico, Florida; grandson, J.D. Prather, of Valrico, Florida; sister, Teresa Peyton of Fredericksburg, Virginia; sister-in-law, Rebecca Shelton of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will hold a visitation at Covenant Funeral Home, Fredericksburg, Virginia on September 27 at 11:00. A graveside service and burial will immediately follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens (Fredericksburg, Virginia). A memorial service is planned at New Hope Church (Brandon, Florida) for October 18 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to New Hope Church, 213 N Knights Avenue, Brandon, Florida 33510.
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Memorial Service
18
Oct
213 N Knights Ave
Brandon, FL 33510
