Brenda Joyce Wheeler

Brenda Joyce Wheeler was born on Friday, March 26, 1943, in Troy, Alabama. She was the second oldest child of Willie Wheeler and Louise McCray Wheeler.  The family was blessed with a total of fifteen children. Four children were born to the family while living in Troy. The Wheelers soon moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where the other eleven siblings were born. Brenda Joyce Wheeler closed her eyes and went home to the Lord on Thursday November 24, 2022, just after 5:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. 

After attending the Catholic church during her youth and through her children’s schooling, Brenda joined Corinthian Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. KZ Smith. At Corinthian, she was a member of the Silver Saints, Intercessory Prayer and the Missionary Ministry groups.  Throughout her illness Brenda’s faith was unwavering. She was excited about Sunday service and always requested the church’s live stream be played while in the hospital during recent months and watched as her health permitted.  Having someone from her church family visit, call or send a card always brought a smile to her face.

Growing up Brenda took her role as the oldest daughter seriously. She helped with her siblings, cooked and did chores to support the household. When left in charge, she made that fact clear. Brenda’s siblings knew she said what she meant and meant what she said. These experiences helped plant the motivation and drive to become independent.

Brenda was a social person. She enjoyed talking to family and friends in person and on the phone. You could easily find yourself talking to her for an hour and not realize how fast the time passed. Brenda was an advice giver and never hesitated to help others get out of a difficult situation.

Brenda attended grade school at St. Anthony's and graduated from Taft High School – Class of 1961. She began her work career at Kenner Toys immediately after high school.  She would later move to New York for a brief time. Upon her return to Cincinnati from New York, she worked thirty plus years at Good Samaritan Hospital as a Nursing Assistant and Unit Clerk until her retirement in the late 90’s.

Brenda enjoyed traveling and the outdoors.  She had a love for parks and nature. On a whim, she would pack her kids, and whoever else, to go for a ride in the station wagon with Brutus (the family dog) in tow. Brenda also had a love for music - specifically, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Prince.

Brenda loved watching country western movies, the Discovery Channel and National Geographic. She enjoyed shopping and always looked forward to a trip to the Dress Barn.

If you truly knew Brenda, and asked her what her hobbies were, she would say "My kids!"  Brenda looked over her children, Ken, Lisa, Mike and Stacey like a lioness over her cubs.  As a single mom, Brenda provided a stable and happy home for her children. Some of the fondest memories are the family field trips to places like the Cincinnati Zoo, Americana and Fantasy Farm.  Paydays were memorable as well because they would often include breakfast at Walgreens, a stop at Johnny's Toys or going to Zayre.  Holidays like Easter and Christmas were special for Brenda and her children. Whether it was preparing food, getting dressed in their "Sunday's Best", decorating, or getting up in the morning to see what Santa left, Brenda took care to make sure the experiences were special for Ken, Lisa, Mike and Stacey.

Brenda emphasized the importance of education and pursuing dreams.  To that end she supported her children's dreams and ambitions.  For example, when Ken aspired to become a scientist at the age of 5 or 6, Brenda bought him an advanced science kit that a high school chemistry class would drool over. Brenda supported Stacey in her modeling aspirations and entered her in every fashion show that she knew about.  In discussing Mike’s next move after serving in the Navy, Brenda encouraged his idea of becoming a firefighter and he is still with the Cincinnati Fire Department to this day. Brenda would always encourage Lisa, a child with numerous pursuits, to honestly go after her dreams and do her best to see them through to the end. 
 
Brenda was preceded in death by parents, Willie Wheeler and Louise McCray Wheeler, and by siblings, Anthony McCray, Dr. William Wheeler, Diane Wheeler and Reginald Wheeler.

Brenda leaves to cherish her memory: four children, William Kenneth  Wheeler (Tisha), Lisa Michelle Wheeler Gibson (Tyrone), Michael Anthony Wheeler (Marsha), and Stacey Yolanda Wheeler; seven grandchildren - Jordan, Siyr, Ntwadimila, Brandon, Kayla, Mason, and Mychael; six great grandchildren KaNya, Siyr Jr., Nefertari, Briella, Isabella, Jibriel; ten siblings - Debra Williams, Kathy Spratley, Ricky Wheeler (Tammy), Rev. Steven Wheeler, Karen Prophet (Wendall), Yvonne Wheeler, Yvette Wheeler, Keri Wheeler, Kim Wheeler and Stanley Wheeler; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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