Gloria Beatrice Wheeler

Gloria was born on May 17, 1942, in Jacksboro, Texas to Aaron D. and Pauline Bell. She graduated from Azle High School in 1960, then studied at East Texas Baptist College. On April 17, 1964, she was united in marriage to Harold (Hal) Wheeler in Azle, Texas. Gloria was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Gloria loved to sing. Growing up, she and her sisters (Carolyn and Willie Fern) formed a gospel trio called The Bell Sisters and sang at many events. Gloria carried on that legacy when she married Hal, and the two of them along with their four children (and later, grandchildren) would sing together for church congregations, on the mission field, or just riding down the road in the car. There was always a song in her heart. Even Alzheimer’s could not take that away from her.

Gloria joyfully served in many roles at churches she attended. She led children’s choirs, young adult classes, ‘Evangelism Explosion’, sang in the adult choir, volunteered in the kitchen, cared for children in the nursery, and led ‘Girls in Action’, a mission program that led to her serving as a missionary in Brazil with her family.

Hal and Gloria were called to foreign missions in 1976 and served in Recife and Fortaleza. On the mission field, Gloria settled into a familiar rhythm of ministry. She prepared meals for hundreds of campers at the Baptist encampment, made puppets and stage curtains for the puppet ministry, directed choirs, and led women’s ministries.

Back home stateside in the late-80s, Gloria transitioned to a career in assisted living. Gloria’s mother, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, prepared her for this new role. Gloria cared for her mother at home until it became too physically difficult to provide the care her mother needed. She then placed her in an assisted living center and spent the days there visiting and loving on her and the other residents. Ministering to others came naturally for Gloria, and the assisted living center noticed her talent and offered Gloria a job as an Activity Director. She excelled in her role and was cherished by all. After her mother passed, she continued to steadfastly serve senior residents for over 20 years.

Her life lives on through the children she raised, and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she doted over.

She was preceded in death by Harold Wheeler, her husband of 53 years, her parents Aaron D. Bell and Pauline Spangler-Bell of Azle, and by her two sisters, Carolyn J. Stevens of Azle, TX and Willie Fern Pettit of Gustine, TX.

Gloria is survived by her two daughters, Stephanie and husband Jorge Duarte of Weatherford and Stacy Lindsey of Fort Worth; two sons, Stephen and wife Kristin Wheeler of North Richland Hills and Stanton Wheeler of Weatherford; nine grandchildren, Andressa and Ariane Duarte, Candice and husband Thomas Flynn, Cody Lindsey, Lance and wife Camryn Wheeler, Lauren Wheeler, Jared, Jadyn and Jayla Wheeler and three great-grandchildren, Malachi, Gracelyn and Luca; two brothers, Dwayne Bell and wife Cindy of Naples, TX and Dwyatt Bell and wife Ginger of Miami, New Mexico; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the benevolent hospice unit at Beyond Faith of Weatherford for their compassionate care and counseling.

Please join the family in celebrating Gloria’s full life on Saturday, December 21st at 10am, at Willow Park Baptist Church: 777 Crown Pointe Blvd, Willow Park, TX 76087

In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends to make contributions to Feeding Hearts at Willow Park Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association, in memory of Gloria B. Wheeler.