Ann Wheeler, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 24, 2026, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. She was born May 24, 1932, to the late Thomas A Burch and the late Valera Bowen Burch in Fulton. Ann was a dedicated educator who devoted her career to teaching English and serving as a librarian. During her 30 years in education, she taught at Houston Jr. High School, Mantachie High School, Hamilton High School, Pelahatchie High School, Itawamba Agricultural High School and Fulton Grammar School. She was an active member of the community, she belonged to the Fulton Civic Club and the Sweet Adelines, a ladies barbershop singing organization. In recognition of her accomplishments and leadership, she was honored as one of the Outstanding Young Women of America. Ann was a faithful member of Fulton United Methodist Church; where she served the congregation in numerous capacities throughout the years. She directed the children’s music program for more than 30 years and was member of the Adult Choir, Handbell Choir, Because We Care Committee, Worship Committee, and served as an assistant Librarian. She found great joy in serving others especially through the church food pantry. In her free time, she enjoyed the piano, playing golf, camping, traveling, and working crossword puzzles. Her life was marked by a love of learning, music, faith, family, and community service, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Funeral services will be at 12:00 pm on Monday June 29, 2026, at Senter Funeral Home with Bro. Doyle Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in Itawamba Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Monday June 29th at Senter Funeral Home.
Senter Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.
She survived by her sons, Dr. Ronald Wheeler and Rick (Leslie) Wheeler, both of Fulton; grandchildren, Matt (MJ) Wheeler of Tupelo, Austin Wheeler of Salt Lake City, UT, Chris (Victoria) Hughes of Oxford, Lindsay (Kyle) Stidham of Guntown, Ashley (J.T.) Pullen of Collierville, TN, and Anna Catherine (Will) Hodges of Madison, MS; great grandchildren, Lexi, Jack, Zoey, Teddy, Henry, Ivy, Grayson, and Luke; her special friend, Cheree (Jamie) Brown, and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Luzerne Wheeler, parents, Thomas and Valera Burch; daughter, Vicki Ann Wheeler; brothers, Leeman Burch, Grady Burch, Nelson Burch, and Tom Burch; sisters, Ruby Burch, Varnelle Davis, Evelyn West, and Karleen Crockett.
Pallbearers will be Matt Wheeler, Austin Wheeler, Chris Hughes, Will Hodges, Kyle Stidham, and J.T. Pullen.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that you make a donation to your charity of choice.
The family would like to thank the staff of Charleston Place, Sanctury Hospice and all of her doctors and caregivers for the wonderful care she was given.
