Linda Smith Wheatley, 82, of Graceville, Florida, went home to be with the Lord and Savior on June 17, 2023, at Jackson Hospital. She was born in Camden, Tennessee on December 31, 1940, to Thomas and Theo Smith.
She grew up in Tennessee and was a graduate of Camden Central High School. After marrying Dick Wheatley, she and Dick moved to Florida in the late 60s.
She attended Chipola College where she received her Associate of Arts Degree, Troy State University at Fort Rucker and received her bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Troy State University at Dothan and earned her master’s degree in School Administration and graduated from Florida State University with her Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership. Her passion was always working with children. She worked for the Jackson County School Board for 31 years and after retirement, continued to work as a substitute teacher through 2018. She was awarded Teacher of the Year for Graceville Elementary School in 2004. She was an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society and of the First United Methodist Church of Graceville where she served as the Children’s Director and Sunday School Teacher for numerous years. She served as President of the Graceville Woman’s Club and Garden Club.
She is preceeded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” French Wheatley, Jr., her parents, Thomas and Theo Smith, and sister, Marilyn Davis Bridges.
She is survived by her children, Richard French Wheatley, III (Samantha) and Stephanie Wheatley King (Christopher); Grandchildren, Lindsey Wheatley Potts (Kevin), Caroline King, Andrew Wheatley, Chandler King, Sam Seigle, and Cynthia Wheatley; Great Grandchildren, Ava Potts and Kara Potts.
She loved passionately and never met a soul that she did not pour love over. At the root of her heart was the desire to love you and tell you about Jesus. At the root of her heart lived Jesus and we rejoice in knowing she is living with Him today.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Graceville First United Methodist Church with Pastor Chris Franklin officiating. Burial will follow at Marvin Chapel Cemetery with James & Lipford Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Graceville First United Methodist Church.
Flowers will be accepted, or those wishing can make memorials to the First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 376 Graceville, FL 32440.
