Erlene Coates Wheeler

March 27, 1928 – June 1, 2022

Clayton, North Carolina

Erlene Coates Wheeler, 94 died Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Johnston County on March 27, 1928, the daughter of the late Thomas Daniel Coates and Sarah C. Coates of the Cleveland Community. Erlene was the youngest of ten children. She is preceded in death by her siblings, her husband and love of her life, Harold Wheeler, and 2 sons, Thomas Harold Wheeler and William Harold Wheeler.

Erlene grew up in the Cleveland Community and graduated from Cleveland High School in 1947.

Following graduation from high school she attended and graduated from Hoyle’s Secretarial and Business School of Raleigh, NC. She worked for Yates Automotive of Raleigh, and later General Services Agency of Clayton, as a bookkeeper. She ran the Town Squire men’s clothing store in Clayton, of which she and her husband were partners. Finally, she worked for Dr. T.R. Bass of Clayton, from where she retired.

After retirement, Erlene spent time enjoying her grandchildren, working in her yard, visiting her brothers and sisters and spending time with friends. She was a strong, resilient, dedicated, and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. Most importantly she was a Christian and strived to always serve the Lord. A lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Clayton. Her strong faith saw her through until the day she died.

Erlene is survived by her daughter, Starr Wheeler Hardee and husband, Terry; granddaughters, Lacey Elizabeth Hardee, Sara Hardee Sutphin and husband Matthew, Holly Starr Hardee and grandson, Dane Wheeler Hardee; great grandchildren, Hayes Hardee Sutphin, Savannah Starr Powell, William Wheeler Sutphin, and Hugh Hudson Powell; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Services for Mrs. Wheeler will be privately held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church.