Bishop Henderson Wheeler, Sr.

Bishop Henderson Wheeler Sr., 84 of New Creek, West Virgina passed away on July 6, 2023. Bishop Wheeler was born February 12, 1939, to Alton Wheeler, Sr., and Annie Bell Waiters-Wheeler.  Henderson Wheeler was a native of Ocala, Florida.  His family moved to Dayton Beach, Florida, where he completed formative education through the Volusia County school system.  After attending Daytona Jr. College, Bishop Wheeler served in the United States Army Intelligence Unit, South Korea 1960-1962. He later met and married Everetta “Retta” Louise Gilmore in 1964.

He fully committed his life to service to the Lord from age six to his death in various roles as a musician, Jr. Deacon, and Youth Pastor.  Later as an adult, he continued to serve in education and christian administration.

Through his dedication to education, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland, followed by a Master of Arts Degree in Administration Supervision, at West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia. He continued to further his education to fulfill his interest in student services.  Bishop Wheeler’s professional career was just as expansive and included serving as a teacher, and principal at the local school district, adjunct professor at the local university, and in various administrative roles at the Mineral County Board of Education, including Coordinator of Education for the Homeless, and Supervisor of Truancy Division.

Bishop Wheeler served in numerous Pastoral roles while serving as Chairman of the Ordination and Trustee Boards.  He was appointed Pastor of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Keyser, First Church of God in Christ in Piedmont, and First Church of God in Christ in Moorefield, West Virginia.

Additionally, he served as First Administrative Assistant and Executive Secretary under the respectful leadership and counsel of several West Virginia Jurisdictional Bishops.  After dedicated service, the late Presiding Bishop G.E. Patterson elevated Bishop Wheeler to the Office of Jurisdictional Prelate of the Greater West Virginia Jurisdiction.  Finally after many years of faithful service, Bishop Henderson Wheeler retired from his life long work.

Bishop Wheeler is preceded in death by his wife, Everetta “Retta” Louise Gilmore-Wheeler and his parents, Alton Wheeler, Sr., and Annie Bell Waiters-Wheeler.  Also, his sisters Hazel Paige, Geneva Fletcher, and his brother Alton Wheeler, Jr.

He is survived by his children: son Henderson Jr. Wheeler (Delta) Wheeler of West Virginia; son, Alton Wheeler (Lenita) of California; daughter Cassandra Wheeler of Texas; daughter Rachell Wheeler of West Virginia, and grandchildren: Imaan Wheeler, Janelle Wheeler, Joshua Wheeler, Benjamin Gaskins, and Abigail Gaskins.

He is also survived by his siblings: James Wheeler (Gracie) of Maryland, Norma Gray (Howard) and Carl Wheeler Sr. (Vera) of California, and sister in-law Geraldine of Florida, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

Bishop Wheeler was a faithful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who encouraged his loved ones with the words, “Just Trust God”.  He lived a life of holiness and integrity, with a commitment to lifelong learning, service to the community, and to his beloved church.

Family will be receiving friends on Friday, July 14th, at Boal Funeral Home, Westernport, MD from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.  Friday evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. there will be a visitation at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, WV.  Following the visitation, there will be a combined Church of God in Christ Local Church and State Service beginning at 6:00 p.m.

On Saturday, July 15th, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, WV, the Church of God in Christ National Service will begin at 10:00 am.  Immediately following the service, interment will be held at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 11128 Cash Valley Road, LaVale, MD 21502.