Joanne H. Wheeler

Joanne H. Wheeler October 28, 1938 – December 13, 2017 A ray of sunshine was returned to heaven on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, NC when Joanne Hilts Wheeler became an angel.She was born October 28, 1938 in Elmira, NY to Catherine and Nelson Hilts. In addition to her parents, Joanne was preceded in death by her brother, Tim Hilts and son, Jeff Wheeler. Joanne graduated from Elmira Southside High School, where she met the love of her life and future husband, James “Jim” Wheeler. They were happily married for 60 years. She enjoyed travel and being a Red Cross volunteer wherever they were stationed during Jim’s US Army career. Joanne never met a stranger and always saw the good in people. She was a great homemaker and hostess. Her contagious laughter was welcomed by all who knew and loved her.She was a very generous person who enjoyed making crafts and giving them to others. Surviving are her husband, Jim of Durham and her sister, Bette Cleveland of Elmira.Also surviving her are many loved and cherished family, cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends. Joanne is further survived by her beloved adopted family of Reverend Laure Kalau; Wellman, Andy, William and Malaika Kavul. A family visitation will be held 1PM on Friday, July 20, 2018 at New Beginnings United Methodist Church, 300 E. Miller St, Elmira, NY 14904. A memorial service will follow at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Joanne’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, American Diabetics Association or New Beginnings United Methodist Church. The family is being assisted in Elmira by Olthof Funeral Home.