Bertha Barnes Wheeless

Bertha Barnes Wheeless, 84, passed away Monday, May 16, 2011. She was born in Edgecombe County July 2, 1926, the daughter of Osmon Bennett Barnes and Thaney Bell Taylor Barnes. She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years William Artis (Billy) Wheeless, her parents, and two brothers Charley Redmond Barnes and William Bennett Barnes. During high school and after graduating from Rocky Mount High she worked at several shops and theaters in Rocky Mount prior to her marriage to Billy. After giving birth to her first child, she continued to work as a bookkeeper for her father's construction company and several other businesses in the Rocky Mount area. Upon the death of her husband she returned to work in retail for many years. For many she was known simply as the Avon Lady, representing Avon for 45 years. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, having taught in Weekday Church School, advised the Luther League youth group for a number of years, and served on several church councils including one term as president of the congregation. She was also active in the West Mount Women's Club and several bridge clubs. She leaves behind to cherish her memory four sons and their wives, Kent and Brenda Wheeless of Rocky Mount, Mark and Sara Wheeless of Raleigh, Ossie and Cindy Wheeless of Red Oak, and Randy and Anita Wheeless of Charlotte. She also leaves ten loving grandchildren, Amy Wheeless Ferris (Brian) of Seattle, WA, William Wheeless and Daniel Wheeless, both of Raleigh, Cortney Wheeless of Wilmington, Caroline Wheeless and Candace Wheeless, both of Red Oak, Claire Wheeless Swanson (Ryan) of Fort Polk, LA, Collette Wheeless, Amelia Wheeless, and Kent Wheeless, all of Charlotte. In addition she is survived by her sister Jean Barnes, nine nieces and nephews, and numerous other family and friends. The family will receive friends 6:00 - 8:30p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church. A service to remember Bertha will be held at 2:00p.m. Thursday at the church with Pastor Alice Johnson-Curl officiating. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 433 Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangement entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Location Not Available Wednesday 5/18, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service Location Not Available Thursday 5/19, 2:00 pm Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801