of West Helena, AR
February 27, 1943 - December 26, 2021
Patricia (Pat) Wheeler, nee Shaw, age 78, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, December 26th, 2021, after an extended illness. She was born February 27th, 1943, to John and Mildred (McCoy) Shaw of Mobile, Ala. On Aug 20, 1960, she wed Robert E. Wheeler (Buddy) of West Helena, Ark. and was married for 58 years until his death in 2018.
Pat, or "Patsy Shaw" as her closest friends called her, was a woman of many talents. She could sew anything from prom dresses to costumes, reupholster furniture, cook the best chicken and dumplings, and find a way to fix or create anything that was needed or wanted by someone she loved. Unafraid of hard work, she wallpapered literally hundreds of homes and businesses throughout Phillips County as part of her own business enterprise. She was an avid reader of murder mysteries, and when unable to read any longer, began watching them on tv. She loved to dress up in cute clothes, sparkly things and sassy, high heels. Her love for her community was a lifelong mission; Over the years, she participated in community theater, volunteered for the King Biscuit Blues Festival, was guide providing historical tours of Helena to the American Queen Steamboat passengers when they stopped on their way down the Mississippi River, and she spent countless hours helping people in need. Two of her most beloved causes were girls at the Ophelia Polk Moore Home and the area children in foster care. All of these things paled in comparison to the love she had for her family and close friends. If you were fortunate enough to be part of her world, you knew you were loved.
She is survived by: her son and daughter, Lyle S. Wheeler (Lisa) of West Helena, Ark. and Vicki W. Burnett (Robert) of Little Rock, Ark.; grandchildren, Brittany W. Doyle (Joel), Caroline W. Branch (Alex), Jesse B. Burnett and James R. (Jay) Burnett all of Little Rock, Ark. and John W. Burnett of Austin, Texas; great-grandchildren, Porter and Dean.
Pat is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her brother, Mack Shaw; and her parents, John and Mildred Shaw.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 11:00 AM, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 625 Pecan St., Helena, where masks and social distancing will be strictly observed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her by making a memorial donation to the Ophelia Polk Moore Home, or St. John's Episcopal Church. Donations to either cause can be made: c/o St. John's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 770, Helena, AR 72342.
Services are directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
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31 Condolence(s)
Miki Griffin Darling
Monday, January 17, 2022
I am so sorry Lyle. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending love to you & yours.
Jenny Taylor
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Lyle, I am so very sorry to see of your mom's passing. Prayers for you all in the coming days.
Mike and Mary McDaniel
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Lyle,
We are very sorry to hear of your mom’’s passing.. We are praying for your entire family!! Mrs. Pat was always so much fun and left many great memories that will bring a smile to your face.
Beverly Murphy
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Lyle and Vickie….Saddened to hear the news about Pat. She was a good friend and I have great memories with Pat and Buddy. Keep your loving memories of her always close to your heart. Beverly
Gregg Cook
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Ms. Pat was one of my favorite people. She was a true ambassador to Helena and the best essence of a southern lady. They don’t make any more that good. She was the best to everyone in the community whether here for an hour or for life.
Missy Ishmael
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Lyle, Vickie and family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of fond memories of you Momma. We had a great time when we worked together at the bank. Always there to lend a helping hand. She will be greatly missed.
Hazel kitchens
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
As I read Pat’s obituary I experienced so many great memories. We spent many hours together when we were raising (you) Lyle, Vicki, Cindy, and David. So many hours of good times. Wish I could be there to give you a big hug. Love you.
Allison Biederman
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Pat was an amazing woman filled with divine energy which she humbly used to serve all those in need. She was full of life, joy, and love and will be missed.
I hold her family in my heart and lifted in prayer. Alleluia, Christ is risen!
Phillip and Shawndus
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Lyle and Vicki,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our heartfelt condolences during the loss of your mom. She was always a “cool†mom when we were growing up.
Cindy Byrd Loewer
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Lyle and Vicki I have fond memories of hanging out at your house while our moms visited. It was a sweet season in my childhood. Praying for you as you navigate the hard things.
Janie scaife
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
So sorry for your loss.
Valerie McMickle
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Lyle, so sorry to hear about your mom. Prayers and thoughts for you and your family.
Patsy Igou Orcutt
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Lyle and Vickie I remember the good times we had when you were growing up with Mike, Cindy and David. Your mom was right there...you were blessed to have called her mom.
Prayers for peace, comfort and strength in the days to follow. She will be missed by all who knew her. My heart is heavy and will always love you two.
Lamar Long
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Lyle and Vicky, so sorry to hear about your Mother passing. I have so many fond memories of our young years growing up as next door neighbors. We had such great times spending weekends with her and your Grandparents on Fish River. Her and your Dad were such great hosts when we would visit them in Helena and they lived life to the fullest and always gave back to the community. She will be missed and I know she has a special place in Heaven.
Dona Maples Bowry
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Lyle and Vicki, I have such fond memories of your Mom and your family. The Wheelers were a big part of my growing up. We all had such a great time together. I am sad for your loss. I know she will be missed. Love, Dona Maples Bowry
Debra Stewart
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Prayer and thoughts are with the family. Mrs Pat was a special jewel, I will truly miss her and the talk we had. RIP, she always spoke what was on your mind.
Patrick Roberson
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
So sorry to hear about Mrs Pat's passing. She was always super sweet to me and my family growing up and always had hugs to give them all. I remember her being involved some in local politics growing up. She told me do what's right and you'll never go wrong. Very sweet lady that always made time for everyone in the community too. She will be missed.
Diane Karr
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Peace be with you. I will never forget Pat’s generosity to my mother. Grateful for her loving heart.
Glenda Irving
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure knowing Mrs Pat
Gary Burks
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Lyle and Vicki So sorry for y’all’s loss, one of a kind person.
Margaret Kirk
Monday, December 27, 2021
Lyle I am sadden to learn of the passing of your dear mother. I pray the memories of your dear mother will bring you comfort in this time of grief.
Rest in peace my friend.
Debra Smith
Monday, December 27, 2021
Pat was a Gem. She was the Best Welcome Wagon Ever. She will always be remembered fondly. Helena lost an Ambassador. Give Buddy a big Hug Pat.
Stephenie A Coome
Monday, December 27, 2021
Vicki and Lyle - I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was one special lady and I have fond memories of playing at your house as a young person as well as her visits later in life when she and Mr Buddy would come visit mom and dad. My thoughts are with you.
Jannie Lamar
Monday, December 27, 2021
Rest in peace pat love you my friend. But God love you best.
Karen Byrd Lavender
Monday, December 27, 2021
Sending prayers to the family. She was a wonderful person and will be missed. So very sorry for your loss. Carvill Fitzhugh and Karen Lavender.
June White
Monday, December 27, 2021
Lyle and Vickie, I was shocked and very saddened to hear of your loss of your mother, Pat. I have so many good memories of fun times which included Pat and Buddy.
I pray that God will keep his arms around you.
June White
Diane Tyler
Monday, December 27, 2021
I’m so very sorry bout Pat’s transitioning to heaven. I know that the Angels are happy to receive such a sweet and kind lady. She will be truly missed. Sending prayers to the family
Ann Lee
Monday, December 27, 2021
Lyle & Vicki
My heart goes out to you. Pat was a special person and will be missed by many
Barbara Chism
Monday, December 27, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Pat was always one of the first to help when needed. She will be missed.
Robert,Bob,Wright
Monday, December 27, 2021
So sorry to hear about Pat. Take comfort in knowing that she won’t be hurting anymore
Teena Levine
Monday, December 27, 2021
My houghts and prayers are with your precious family.
Rest in peace dear Pat, you've given so much.
Sincerely,
Teena Levine