Shirley Ann F. Wheeler

Shirley Ann Fitzgerald Wheeler, 89, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her residence in Staunton on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

 She was born on October 15, 1934, in Augusta County to the late Arthur "Boyd" Cleveland and Virginia "Vergie" Elizabeth Marshall Fitzgerald.

Shirley was a hardworking and dedicated individual. After graduating from Wilson Memorial High School in 1953, she embarked on a successful career at American Safety Razor in Verona. For thirty-five years, her commitment and loyalty shone through as she contributed her skills and expertise to the company. Shirley worked in maintenance and as an inspector until her retirement in 1999.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, she loved bowling and derived great pleasure from attending her grandchildren's baseball games. These activities allowed her to unwind and create cherished memories with her loved ones.

She is survived by her loving husband of forty-five years, Carroll Trenton Wheeler, whom she married on May 12, 1978; her children, Susan Hays and her significant other, Joe, Tim Hays and his wife, Mari, Terry Hays, and Beverley Brown and her husband, Roland; her ten grandchildren, especially her special grandson, Steve Carper; her nineteen great-grandchildren, especially her special great-grandson, Mike Carper; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a daughter, Lucinda Diane Hays; her brothers, Arthur "Sonny" Franklin Fitzgerald, Ray Burton Fitzgerald, and Carl Edward Fitzgerald; her sisters, Grace Alma Fitzgerald Chaplin, Anna Louise Fitzgerald Campbell, and Jean Evelyn Fitzgerald; and a half-sister, Genevieve King Stokes Care. 

To honor Shirley's life, a funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton with Pastor Phillip Morgan officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton.

Serving as pallbearers will be Wayne Fitzgerald, Marty Dabney, Joe Gray, Jeremy Green, Steve Carper, Mike Carper, Roland Brown, and Jason Garrison. 

Shirley's remaining grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah (c/o Augusta Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA, 22939) or to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105). 

The family would like to especially thank the nurses and staff of Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, Mary, Joy, Laura, and Dennis for all their kindness and loving care.