Betty Jane Wheeless

Betty Jane Wheeless, 87, of Shuqualak, MS passed away Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Trend Health Rehab of Meridian, MS.  A graveside service was held Monday, November 30, 2020 at Shuqualak Cemetery in Shuqualak, MS with Rev. Salone Green and Deacon James Skipper officiating. Memorials may be made to Shuqualak Baptist Church, P.O. Box 74, Shuqualak, MS  39361. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Betty Jane Thornell Wheeless was born in Noxubee County on January 20, 1933 to the late John Daniel Thornell and Ethel Leanna Giles Thornell. She graduated from Shuqualak High School and went on to take several business courses. Betty Jane married Harold R. Wheeless and they were married for 48 years when he passed away. She worked at Ellisville State School in Laurel, Mississippi as a switchboard operator. Betty Jane and her husband then opened a business in Shuqualak known as “The Little Giant” which they operated for twenty-six years. Betty Jane was a businesswoman who loved managing her property, her cattle, and her timber lands. She enjoyed being out-of-doors and fishing. She loved her many true friends, who were especially diligent to check on her after the death of her husband. She loved her family and her family returned her love in kind. Betty Jane loved hearing her granddaughter, Harolyn, play the guitar and sing, talents that Harolyn used as she sang to her grandmother in the hospital during her final days. Betty Jane is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, John Harold Wheeless and siblings, Juanita Bounds and Chandler Bounds.

Those surviving her are her daughter:  Jane Wheeless Green (Salone) of Gilbertown, Alabama; grand daughter, Harolyn Green; grandson, John L. Wheeless; and one great grandson, Brandon.