Emma Elizabeth Wheeler

Emma Elizabeth Harwell Wheeler, 89, died May 6, 2013, at Midland Memorial Hospital with family by her side.Services will be held Thursday, May 9, 2013, at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Stanton, with Bro. David Harp officiating, with interment following at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland.The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 8, 2013, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Gilbreath Funeral Home.Emma was born July 1, 1923, in Seminole, Texas to Joseph & Vera Harwell. They moved to Midland in the 1930s. She married J.O. Rotan in 1940. He died in Germany while serving during WWII. Emma later married her husband of 66 years, F.C. Wheeler, June 29, 1946.Emma attended Midland High School. After high school she worked at Richfield Oil until the death of her first husband during WWII. Once she married F.C., together they owned and operated F.C. Wheeler Drilling Company for 40 years. They moved from Midland to Stanton in 1954, and she was an active member of First Baptist Church in Stanton until her death.To Emma, church and family were everything. She took pride in her husband, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She raised her two children and participated in every event they were a part of throughout their childhood and teen years. Once her children were grown, and after retirement in 1977, she enjoyed traveling, church activities, and afternoon coffee time with friends. In 1978, she became Memaw, she helped raise her grandchildren and assured they never lacked anything in their lives. In 2001, she became a great-Memaw, she has touched the lives of all four of her great-grandchildren. She even made such an impact on her 2 year old great-granddaughter that she refers to Memaw as her best friend. There are not very many people in this world as special as Memaw. She made a lasting impression on every single person she encountered. She lived the perfect example of a Christian life. Emma was preceded in death by her husband F.C. Wheeler, her granddaughter Erin Alexis Wheeler- Cook, 1 brother, 3 sisters, many special friends, and her parents. She is survived by her son, Gene Wheeler and wife, Gayle; daughter, Cindy Dillard; granddaughter, Lorie Simpson and husband, Jermaine, grandson Chad Dillard and wife, Micki, and grandson in law Kevin Cook. Great grandsons, Devan Simpson, Braxton Dillard and Wheeler Cook, and one great granddaughter, Mya Simpson all of Stanton. Many special nieces and nephews and many special friends including her lifelong best friend, Jewel Cook of Mansfield. The family would like to thank Home Nursing, Home Hospice, MMH nursing staff, and caregivers Mary Jane, Jackie, Sherry, and Debbie for caring for her during her final days. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Erin A. Wheeler-Cook Fellowship Endowment at Texas Tech University, Office of Institutional Advancement, Box 45025, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5025.Arrangements under the direction of Gilbreath Funeral Home of Stanton. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,