Donna Jean Wheeler, 73, formerly of Downing, Missouri, died Thursday, May 3, 2018, at the Scotland County Care Center in Memphis, Missouri.

She was born June 21, 1944, at Gary, Indiana, to Woodrow Wilson and Laura Jane (Dunbar) Dillard. She was later adopted by James Perry and Freda Pauline Northrup.

Donna married Edward Joe Wheeler July 8, 1961, at the First Christian Church in Memphis, Missouri and to this union three sons were born.

Donna worked for the ASCS, starting in Scotland County, then moving to Macon County and completing twenty plus years at Schuyler County. In her free time Donna enjoyed cooking and crocheting but realized her greatest joy when she could spend time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Downing Christian Church. Donna will be remembered for her big heart – always wanting to help people; people she didn't even know!

She is survived by her sons: Mikel Wheeler of Downing, Missouri; Ronnie Wheeler of Holt Summit, Missouri; Jimmy Wheeler of Memphis, Missouri and nine grandchildren: Lindsey Silvey, Jessie Wheeler and his fiancée, Jessica Bennett, Mathew Wheeler, Mikel Wheeler, Kelby Wheeler, Kaleb Wheeler, Julia Wheeler, Grady Wheeler, Cora Wheeler and a great granddaughter, Charlee Silvey and another great grandchild on the way.   Other survivors include a brother, James Wm. Stevens and his wife, Rosanda, of Tucson, Arizona; three sisters: Ima Jean Thompson and her husband, James, of Paris, Tennessee; Judi Hartzler and her husband, Dan, of Pulaski, Iowa and Mary Alice McDaniel of Tucson, Arizona. Also surviving is Sharon Wheeler, the daughter she never had, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Sharin Mae Gulke; two brothers: Terry Dillard and James Ellis Northrup.