Marilynn “Meme” Wheeler

Marilynn Wheeler, lovingly known as “Meme,” went home to be with the Lord on April 24, 2025, at the age of 92. Born in Greenville, Texas, on February 25, 1933, to Reid and Tabbye McNatt, Marilynn’s life was one of deep faith, devoted love, and unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and community.

She married her college sweetheart, William “Bill” Allen Wheeler, on July 31, 1953, in Dallas, Texas. Their love story began at North Texas State in Denton, where Marilynn studied and cheered as a proud member of the cheer squad. Bill joined the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation, and together they journeyed through military life with assignments across Virginia and California until Bill was deployed to Korea.

Following his honorable discharge, they returned to Texas, settling in Stanton then Andrews, and then Stanton again where he worked at both dealerships—Wheeler Motor Company. Eventually, they made their home in Midland, enjoying retirement at Green Tree Country Club, surrounded by friends and community.

Before her career in education, Marilynn brought her warmth and vibrant personality to the airwaves as a local radio host. Her natural charm and radiant voice quickly made her a beloved figure in the community—an early glimpse of the deep connection she would continue to build with everyone she met.

Marilynn was a proud graduate of the University of Texas Permian Basin, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree Cum Laude, and later pursued graduate work at UTPB, Texas Wesleyan, and Texas Tech. She dedicated her career to education, first as a beloved secretary at Andrews High School—where her “Office Girls” adored her—and later as a cherished teacher in Stanton, where she taught 5th grade Social Studies and Science. After retiring from teaching, Marilynn continued to share her love of learning by volunteering in her daughter Mary Lynn’s classroom, where she was affectionately known as “Class Granny.”

To know Marilynn was to be remembered. Her extraordinary memory for people’s stories made everyone she met feel special. She never met a stranger and never forgot a friend. Meme’s friends were incredibly important to her. Throughout her life, she developed many lifelong friendships that she truly cherished. She especially loved spending time with her close-knit circle of friends, including the Bandera Babes of Manor Park. Marilynn also shared a very special bond with her best friend of over 53 years, Linda. Their friendship was a beautiful example of loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love. Linda’s steadfast presence in Marilynn’s life was a gift she treasured deeply.

Her greatest joy was her family. Marilynn was a proud and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is proceeded in death by her husband Bill and her son Bryan. She is survived by her children, Bill and Mary and by her son and daughter in-laws Jimmy, Donna and Katie. Plus, her five grandchildren—Chad, Cory, Bri, Dylan, and Logan and her granddaughter in-laws—Amy, Ellen, Dayna, Shantel, and Morgan. She will also live on through her eight great-grandchildren—Cameron, Landry, Reese, Charlotte, Mady, Cara, and Jordan. Time with them brought her endless joy, and she treasured every moment of dancing, playing games, and sharing stories with them.

Marilynn’s love of animals was lifelong and unwavering. She adored her many pets over the years and always had a soft spot for strays, rescues, and any animal that needed a little extra love.

She also had a flair for fashion and an eye for elegance, a gift she inherited from her beloved mother. Marilynn was rarely seen without her signature makeup, a spritz of perfume, and a fabulous handbag on her arm. She had a true appreciation for designer shoes and clothes, always dressed to the nines and proud of it. Her sense of style wasn’t just about appearance—it was an expression of joy, confidence, and grace.

Marilynn loved life’s little adventures. She treasured vacations with family and friends, especially time spent at the lake houses, where countless memories were made. She found joy in simple pleasures—going out to eat, laughing around a crowded table, and shopping for the perfect outfit or little something special. Whether strolling through a mall or chatting over a meal, Marilynn made every outing feel like a celebration.

Her faith guided her life. She often told her son she knew she was going to Heaven—she just wasn’t quite ready to leave the ones she loved so dearly. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of love, service, style, and joy. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, strength, and sparkle that will continue to live on in all who loved her.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Manor Park and to Angels Hospice of Midland, who lovingly cared for Meme with compassion and dignity during her final days.

A Life of Service and Joy

• Andrews Presbyterian Church – Sunday School Superintendent
• Girl Scout Leader & Boy Scout Mother
• Board of Trustees & Administrative Board – First United Methodist Church, Stanton
• Founding Board Member – West Texas Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
• President – Stanton Chapter of Teachers Professional Educators
• Lifetime Member – Beta Sigma Phi Sorority
• 67-Year Member – Zeta Tau Alpha National Sorority, Key Woman for Martin and Andrews Counties
• Mary Kay Beauty Consultant
• Member – St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Keystone Sunday School Class
• Member – Tall City Line Dance Club, Permian Basin Dance Club (Board), and Just Dance Club
• Vice President – Midland Retired Teachers Association
• Board & Golf Member – Green Tree Ladies Association
• Volunteer – Greathouse Elementary, M.I.S.D. Key Communications
• Member – Permian Basin Support the Troops
• Member – Andrews Ex’s Monday Lunch Bunch

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 29^th from 5-7pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. The service will be held on Wednesday, April 30^th at 10am at Saint Lukes United Methodist Church in Midland. There will be a private burial in Stanton.

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