Fannie Pearson-Parr Wheeler

Fannie Pearson-Parr Wheeler was born October 15, 1950, to the late Lige and Dora Mae McDonald in Laurel, Mississippi. Fannie was the 5th child of 8 children: Beulah Arrington, Albert Dantzler (deceased), Carrie Leslie, Ruth Wheaton-Hare (James), Willie Kissinger, Hattie (Marie) Calloway-Boyd (Herbert) and Alberta Griffin (Johnny). As a child Fannie spent a short time of her life residing with her family living South in Heidelberg, Mississippi. However, in search for a better job opportunities  her parents made a conscientious decision to move the family North to Chicago, Illinois. It was there in Chicago that Fannie's life began to unfold.

Fannie attended and graduated from James N. Thorp Elementary School in the South Chicago Community neighborhood. She went on to attend Chicago Vocational High School, but later received a GED diploma. As time moved on Fannie's thirst for knowledge and skills begin to overwhelm her mind as she moved forward with her life. She returned to school  to take up nursing in hopes of becoming an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) someday. Nonetheless as she progressed in her nursing classes she realized that nursing was NOT what she wanted to do for a living. Therefore, Fannie quickly enrolled herself into Olive Harvey City College. While there she took classes to become a professional secretary and soon obtained her Associates degree in Secretarial Science. Fannie's degree enabled her to obtain a better position at Oak Forest Hospital in the Payroll Department. She worked there until she retired. 

Fannie confessed her belief in Christ at an early age and although she didn't have a permanent  church home, she developed a personal relationship with God that sustained her until her passing. Often times she would speak of the many blessings God bestowed upon her life and how thankful she was.

Fannie has three sons, Theodore Curt McDonald (deceased), Johnny McDonald (Lindsay) and Phillip McDonald Parr. She also has five grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Angela Fannie McDonald, Phillip McDonald, Jr., Jordan Brown, Camilia Acevito, and Johnny Acevito, Jr., along with many nieces, nephews, and good neighbors whom she's known for years.

Her children and grandkids were the loves of her life, but reading was her greatest passion. Fannie would sit for hours reading, becoming captive to her books. Second to reading  was her joy in going to flea markets, garage sells, and thrift stores with her "Bestie", her sister, Hattie Marie at her side.

As life and time moved on, Fannie met and fell in love with Lester Wheeler. Lester became the love of her life and they both decided to marry on September 29, 2021. Lester brought much joy and love into Fannie's life. She began to smile more than ever and told everyone how much she loved her husband. She had not only gained a loving husband, but a new loving family that included a wonderful God-fearing mother-in-law, Leomie Wheeler; sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.

She leaves to cherish all her precious memories: her husband, sisters, sons, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, in-laws, neighbors, and a host of friends.

Visitation Saturday, November 5, 2022 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. with Homegoing Services 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana. Interment Elmwood Cemetery Hammond, Indiana.

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