Mary Joyce Wheeler

Mary Joyce Wheeler (Quarles), age 69, gave up her wheelchair to go dance with the Lord October 12, 2022. Mary was born in Pampa, TX in 1953. She attended Tipton High School in Oklahoma where she had warm memories of being a Tipton Tiger and Junior Class Favorite. In the 70's she hitchhiked to California with her husband Bill where they made Visalia home. Mary never lost her southern charm, full of laughter and quick to smile, she never met a stranger. Mary loved being with her children and as soon as they started school Mary followed. After several years of volunteering Mary was hired on as a teacher's aide at Willow Glen Elementary. This would always be remembered by Mary as her favorite job. In the 90's Mary was involved in a car accident that put her in a coma and nearly took her life. Doctors were not sure she would be able to pull through, but the Lord was not ready for her to come home yet. Mary was a fighter. The accident left her disabled but her will power remained strong and her spirits high. She went on to graduate from COS, receiving the Giant Spirit Award. Mary had a passion to serve the local community. You could usually find Mary rolling around Visalia, often with her grandson in tow, making new friends. In 2007, she rolled for City Council, and has fond memories of her time working with the Disability Advocacy and Transit Advisory Communities. She loved all her friends that she made through her community service. Mary was the biggest cheerleader for her family. She is proceeded in death by her parents Manuel and Inez (McWhorter)Quarles and sister Katherine Andrews. She will be remembered by her two daughters Kimberly (Nathan) Stoll and Ashley Rivon. Grandchildren Dylan Huskey, Skyler (Kylie) Huskey, Makenzie Huskey, Reese Huskey, Gavin Stoll, Brenon Rivon, and London Rivon. Great Grandchild Ellison Huskey. Brothers Kenneth, John, and Michael (Cynthia) Quarles and many nieces and nephews. Mary wanted everyone to know that she knew where she was going and was ready to be with Jesus. Please join us for her celebration of life on Dec 3rd at 3pm at Demaree Church. 3011 Demaree Street Visalia, Ca. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Mary Joyce Wheeler

September 4, 1953 - October 12, 2022