Annie Belle McBurrows Wheeler was born on December 4, 1938 in Barney, Georgia, as the second child to Sam McBurrows and Corene Jones McBurrows. She entered into Eternal Rest on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Raised in Doerun, Georgia, Annie Belle's imagination, passion for writing, and caring spirit were evident from an early age. After graduating from Moultrie High School for Negro Youth in 1957, she earned a scholarship to study English. Though she dreamed of becoming a writer or actress, life took her down a different path. She married Robert Vinson Wheeler, Jr. in July 1957, and to their union were born seven children.

Annie Belle gave her life to Christ early on, and after marrying Robert, she became a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Camilla, Georgia, where she served alongside him in faith throughout their marriage. As a devoted homemaker and woman of unwavering faith, she raised her children with love, discipline, and prayer.

In the 1970s, Annie Belle and her children formed "The Wheeler Family" gospel singing group, performing across South Georgia for many years. A hardworking and resilient woman, Annie later worked as a nurse's aide, insurance salesperson, and bus driver for the Senior Citizen Center in Albany, Georgia.

Annie lived in Mitchell County, Georgia the majority of her life but at age 77, she relocated to Stone Mountain, Georgia where she was able to spend more quality time with her siblings, children, and grandchildren. She actively enjoyed her hobbies of writing, knitting, gardening, cooking, and thrifting until her health started to decline. Annie authored many unpublished works including short stories "Share Cropper Sam" and "Seven Stories How?" during her time in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Annie Belle was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Vinson Wheeler, Jr., her parents, Sam and Corene McBurrows, and her eldest daughter, Sheila Denise Wheeler-Marcus. Her siblings, Sam McBurrows, Jr., Margaret McBurrows Anderson (Charlie), Willie McBurrows, and Rev. Donald McBurrows (Dorothy), also preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memories her children: Luella C. Wheeler-Ikuesan (Samuel) of Snellville, GA; Sharon A. Wheeler (Landon Bell) of Lilburn, GA; Kenneth Dale Wheeler(Nova) of Augusta, GA; Linda Robbett Wheeler-Smith of Thomasville, GA; Robert Darrell Wheeler(Cynthia) of Fayetteville, GA; Dana Keith Wheeler(Suzette ) of Conely, GA; her siblings in Metro Atlanta (Christine McBurrows Austin, Rev. Johnny E. McBurrows (Augustine), Alberta McBurrows Moss(Arbie), and Gladys McBurrows Jacobs(Johnny); her sisters-in-law (Carrie Pearl McBurrows, Joyce McBurrows, Wylene Wheeler Tolbert, Earlene Wheeler Johnson, and Ella Reese Wheeler). Her legacy also includes her grandchildren (20), great grandchildren (15), host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Annie Belle McBurrows Wheeler's life was a testament to faith, family, and perseverance. She is now at rest, but her legacy of love will continue for generations.

In Her Own Words

"I had a good life. My children, my grandchildren and my great grandchildren were the greatest joy to me.

You are all human and I know you are going to be sad but don't hold on to it to long. God gave me a beautiful life, a beautiful family and that's the greatest joy. I don't want you all to hurry but I will be waiting when you all get here. Be strong as you can and whisper a prayer to God when you get weak."

Annie Belle McBurrows Wheeler