Virginia Bell Baker Wheeler

Mrs. Virginia Bell Baker Wheeler, age 84 of Hermitage, Arkansas, departed this life Monday night, August 15, 2016 at Pine Meadows Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Bolivar.

A native of the Middleton area, Mrs. Wheeler was born Sunday, April 10, 1932 to the late Basil Lester and Eula Mae Mills Bell. On November 9, 1947, she was united in marriage to Mr. Edward Baker, who preceded her in death in 1971. She later married Mr. Ronald Lee Wheeler, who survives, on May 9, 1975.

She worked as a grocery clerk for Shearon's Grocery, Websters, and Affiliated Grocery. She also worked at the Tomato Shed in Hermitage, where she lived for over 30 years. She was a City Councilwoman there and also served on the Election Commission. She enjoyed fishing and gospel singing, and collected salt & pepper shakers. She was a member of the Union Hill Baptist Church in Hermitage.

Survivors include her daughter, Carole Howell (Jimmy) of Bolivar; sons, Larry Baker (Gail) of Union City, and David Baker (Betty) of Jackson; brother, Frank Bell (Frances) of Middleton; grandchildren, Wayne Baker (Pat), Jason Baker (Fran), Amy McClendon, Bryan Entrikin (Anna), Misty Perkins (Scott), and Justin Howell (Leann); and ten great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Bell and Harold Bell; and two grandchildren, Timothy Edward Baker and Tim McClendon.

Charitable contributions made in Mrs. Wheeler's memory may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org/donate) or to the donor's choice of charities.