NASHVILLE – Hilma Ray Stewart Wheeler, age 100, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on May 12, 1924, she was the daughter of the late George Benjamin Stewart and Sadie Mae Price Stewart. She was also welcomed home by her husband, Cleveland Dallas Wheeler; her son, Kenneth "Ray" Wheeler; and her brother, George Marvin Stewart, Sr.
Hilma was born and raised near the town of Battleboro where she spent most of her life. Later in life, she moved near Nashville to be closer to her family except for the last three years where she resided at Spring Arbor of Rocky Mount. Hilma retired from Peoples Bank (Centura Bank) after many years of service as a teller and branch manager. Following her retirement, she returned part time to RBC Bank. She also loved being a faithful volunteer at Injoy. Hilma was a member for many years at Battleboro United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities. A loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend to many, Hilma will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Hilma is survived by her daughter, Sarah Wheeler Unrue (Bob); her son, Dallas Lynn Wheeler; her grandchildren, LaDonna W. Cason, Dean B. Wheeler (Nicole), Karen D. Wheeler, Aaron B. Unrue (Megan), and Kathryn Unrue Thomas (Josh); her great grandchildren, Nathan Cason, Henry D. Unrue, Elizabeth J. Thomas, Hannah R. Thomas, John Hunter Unrue, and Evelyn R. Unrue; and extended family members and dearest friends.
A Graveside Service to celebrate Hilma’s life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Battleboro Cemetery, Cemetery Drive, Battleboro, NC 27809, with Parker Phillips officiating. Visitation with the family will be held the evening before on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Hilma’s family would like to thank the staff at Spring Arbor of Rocky Mount for their loving care and kindness. They would also like to thank UNC Hospice and Palliative Care for the care and comfort they offered during the last weeks of Hilma’s life.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Hilma’s name to Battleboro United Methodist Church, 229 E. Battleboro Ave, Battleboro, NC 27809, or to UNC Hospice and Palliative Care, 2460 Curtis Ellis Dr. Building 100, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Loving you always
With deepest sympathy,
Loved Mrs. Hilma, I worked with her at RBC Bank.
Classy lady ❤️
RIP Mrs. Hilma – I worked with her at the bank. She was a nice lady that cared for her customer and made each of them feel special.
I would like to extend my condolences to Sarah & Lynn (and family) in the loss of their Mother (my cousin) Hilma
My sister, Cynthia Fisher, and I always enjoyed visiting with Hilma at Spring Arbor. Whenever I was in Rocky Mount visiting, we would make a point to go see your mom and take her some of my homemade Apple Jacks. She really looked forward to whatever we carried her, but especially the Apple Jacks and we looked forward to talking with her about some of our older deceased relatives. She was so knowledgeable on our Price family history. We enjoyed reminiscing about old times growing up in Battleboro. She will surely be missed by so many. (Gayle Price Moye)
She was the last matriarch in my family circle. She left quite a legacy. – Jonathan Melvin