Tributes

Josephine Tannehill Wheeler, born on October 26, 1947, in Austin, Texas, to the late William Tannehill and Ella Mae Atkinson, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 5th, surrounded by her loving family. She spent her entire life in Austin, where she was raised, built her career, nurtured her family, and touched countless lives. Josephine accepted Christ early in life and was a devoted member of Sweet Home – The Pinnacle of Praise, where she lovingly served in the children’s ministry until her health declined. Her love for children was evident in every aspect of her life. She dedicated more than 20 years to the American Cancer Society before retiring and pursuing her passion in early childhood development. Josephine earned her Childcare Director’s Certification and continued caring for children with patience, compassion, and joy. She enjoyed reading her Bible, completing seek and find puzzles, and watching her favorite classic television shows—Matlock; Murder, She Wrote, and Columbo. Josephine’s legacy is built on love. She became “Mama” and “Grandma” to many beyond her biological family, touching lives wherever she went. Her faith, selflessness, kindness, and giving heart were unmatched. While going through her belongings, her family found an award given to her by her granddaughter Tia in the third grade, a small token that perfectly captured how deeply she was admired and how beautifully she lived. Josephine was, above all else, selfless. She would stop everything to help anyone in need, never expecting anything in return. Her life was a testament to her faith, generosity, humility, and boundless love. She was also preceded in death by Lee Allen Wheeler Jr.; sisters Martha Marie Jackson and Johnnie Mae Reed along with brothers David “Buddy” Lake and Eugene Lake. Josephine leaves to cherish her memory: • Three children – Tina Marie Wheeler, Leonard Charles Wheeler, and Jacqueline Louise Johnson (Rodney) • Four grandchildren – Tia Nashay Calhoun, Jabari Amal Prewitt, Shanay Marie Hardeman, and David Lee Vernon Hardeman • Two great grandchildren – Ge’Liah Renee Wilson and Raeyla Dior Skye Hall • And a host of other loving relatives, family, and friends. Her legacy of faith, kindness, wisdom, generosity and unwavering love will be profoundly missed, forever treasured and always live in our hearts.

Tributes

Josephine T. Wheeler

October 26, 1947 - February 5, 2026