Odessa Perkins Wheeler

Ms. Odessa Perkins Wheeler, age 93 of Sanford, NC was called to her eternal rest on Sunday, June 23, 2024. 

The Obituary
Odessa was born August 18, 1930, to Charles and Mary Perkins in Memphis Tennessee. She was educated in the public school system in Memphis, attending Booker T. Washington High School. 

In April of 1947 she married Eldridge Wheeler and subsequently moved to Bridgeport, CT, where she remained for 73 years. During that time, for several years she worked as a domestic for many prominent families in the county; the Vanderbilt’s, the Moore’s and the Hausman’s. Odessa was always very mechanically inclined, which lead her to employment opportunities in the aircraft manufacturing industry; first as a riveter and then as a welder.

Because of her love of music, she took piano lessons from her sister at a very young age. Over the years, she became a skilled pianist who throughout her life, blessed many ministries with her dedication, dependability, and faith, sharing her time and musical talents playing for church choirs. At Shiloh Baptist Church she led several adult choirs, the children’s choir and a small musician's group. She even organized mother daughter concerts to raise money for the church. At First Baptist Church she played for the “New Life” and the “Home Going” choirs. After retirement, Odessa moved to Sanford NC where her involvement in the church continued as a member of Mt Pisgah Lee.

Odessa a loving, caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

She was predeceased by her son, Eldridge Wheeler III and her daughters, Lolita McKissick and Jacqueline Robertson.

Her legacy will live on as she is survived by her son, Gerald Wheeler of Covina CA; her daughter, Janet Mills and her husband Reggie Mills of Fort Mill SC; her son, Mark Wheeler of North Fort Meyer, FL, his wife, Iliana, and stepdaughter, Jade; and her daughter, Lynn Nesmith and husband Bobby Nesmith of Sanford NC. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and 13 great children; Shonda Ponder and her husband Richard Ponder of Fayetteville, GA and their children, Jalyn, Nylaj, Tiana, and Alana, Simone Robertson of Las Vegas, NV and her children, Jacquelynn and Darcel; Linette Jones of Meriden CT and her children, Lyneisha and Jekiya; Mareril Wheeler of Miami, FL; Demeika Wheeler of Bridgeport, CT and her son, Isaiah; Rhondalyn Ware of Memphis, TN and her children, Ashley and Jeremy; Keenya Wheeler of Cleveland OH and her children, Ranee and Jahari; Jade Arango of North Fort Meyer, FL; four great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, and life-long friend, Genevieve Helms .

Odessa loved to spend time in the kitchen, cooking and baking. Her time in the kitchen always ended with a delicious meal or a scrumptious dessert. Family never skipped a meal. Neighborhood kids were always welcome; she wouldn’t turn anyone away, even when it meant that there wasn’t enough for her to eat. If you never had her fried chicken, sweet potato or apple pie, you missed a treat. 

Her passion remained limitless for serving The Lord, her family and friends. Through her loving and caring personality, she nourished and mentored her children with strong support, encouragement, firm kindness, humor, counsel, patience, protection and genuine love for The Lord. Family meant everything to her. She spent many Saturday evenings singing and dancing with her children to old Motown songs.

Let us remember Odessa not only for the life she lived but for the love she shared and the impact she had on our lives. May her memory be a source of comfort, inspiration, and strength as we navigate the journey ahead.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC