Ava Lou Simpson Wheeler

Ava Lou Simpson Wheeler, 92, of Valdosta went to be with Jesus at Fellowship Home on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at the Fellowship Home. She was born at home in the Troupeville area of Brooks County on February 23, 1920 to the late Jim and Mattie Lou Willaford Simpson. Mrs. Wheeler was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Ava and her husband lived several places during their young married life, but in 1959, the family moved to the Troupeville area of Brooks County in the community where Ava was raised. She was a homemaker and loved working in her yard to make it a place of beauty. It was one of her favorite things to do. Ava and Joe found places of service at Immanuel Baptist Church (now Westside) where she was active in the WMU, GA's and taught Sunday School. It was at Immanuel that she used her God given talent of playing the piano. After the children were grown, Ava and Joe moved to First Baptist Church in Valdosta where Ava continued her work with the WMU. Her best memories at First Baptist was being a part of the mission work at Holly Hill Nursing Home and the many bus trips with the senior adults.
Joe went to be with the Lord in October, 1991. They were married for 52 wonderful years. Her strong faith in the Lord brought her through these years without him. She read the Bible through many times and her children are blessed to have her Bibles.
Survivors include her two daughters and sons in law, Gwen and Hardy Rowntree of Hahira, Judy and Gerald Ryan of Valdosta, her son and daughter in law, Joey and Pat Wheeler of Valdosta, her grandchildren and their spouses, Eddie and Lori Demott of Thomasville, Aliesa and David Garland of Albany, Denise and David Fletcher of Thomasville, Becky and C. L. Harris of Hahira, Rob and Emily Ryan of Hahira, Jeremy and Andrea Ryan of Bainbridge, Jennifer and John Mahon of Valdosta, Jodi and Michael Anderson of Valdosta, 22-great grandchildren, her sister in law, Betty Jean Simpson of Valdosta. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Elwood Wheeler, her brother, Russell Simpson and her two sisters, Grace Bridgman and Laura Scruggs.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30pm Sunday, January 13, 2013 in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with Mr. Buddy LaHood officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5-7pm at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.




Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602