Blanche (Waller) Wheeler

Blanche (Waller) Wheeler, age 93 of the Gibbs Community, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Blanche graduated from Gibbs High School in 1949 as the class Valedictorian. She worked the candy counter at F.W. Woolworth’s on Gay Street until she met the love of her life Riley, while he was home on leave from the U.S. Army. After a brief courtship, they were married on June 24, 1954 at Clear Springs Baptist Church in Corryton. From there, Blanche went with Riley wherever his career took him and during Riley’s military career, they traveled the U.S. and abroad and God blessed them with six children. Blanche loved to work in her flower beds, garden, and quilt daily. She was always excited for the TVA &I Fair in September, where she would enter her quilts and always won red, white, or blue ribbons. Blanche raised her family on good values and strong faith. She was the oldest member of Clapps Chapel Methodist Church and the Christian Fellowship Sunday School class. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Riley (Sarge) Wheeler, parents Ida (Martin) and father P.C. Waller, sister and brother-in-law Alene and Roy Foust, brother-in-law Charles Imfeld, brothers: Franklin and Charles Waller, daughter-in-law, Tamela Wheeler. Survived by children, Barbara (Dave) Tipton, David Wheeler, Buddy (Rosemary) Wheeler, Tim Wheeler, Tamara (Dan) Ownby, and Carol (Rodney) Beason, grandchildren Joshua Daniel, Sarah, Aaron (Lijuan) Lindsey, Andrew Wheeler, Matthew (Elizabeth) Wheeler, Olivia Wheeler, Nathan (Ashley) Ownby, and Samantha Beason, great-grandchildren J.D., Spencer, Lucas, Jayden, Emma, Robert, and Ada Rose, sister Ruth Imfeld, brother Porter (Sherlie) Waller, siters-in-law Roxie (Ed) Rice, Naomi (Kenny) Goodman, and Violet Smith, numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Special thanks to Allison, Pam, Faye, Jeannie, Robin, Genna, and Pat, who have allowed our sweet mom to be at home. Also, a special “thank you” to UT Hospice and nurse Victoria for their love and care during this time. The family will receive friends 4:30-6:45 pm Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Clapps Chapel Methodist Church, 7420 Clapps Chapel Road Corryton, TN 37721, with funeral service to follow at 7:00 pm, Dr. Chris Stanfield officiating. Family and friends will meet at 1:15 pm Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City Chapel to proceed to East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway for a 2:00 pm committal service. For those who wish, memorials may be made to Clapps Chapel Methodist Church, 7420 Clapps Chapel Road Corryton, TN 37721. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com