Elease Wheeler

Lera Elease Seegars Wheeler, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Florence, SC, at the age of 97. Born on April 4, 1927, in Olanta, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late John Norwood Seegars and the late Lizzie Belle Thornhill Seegars. Elease lived a long and fulfilling life deeply rooted in family, faith, and community. Elease was a "social butterfly" who took great delight in baking goodies for her family and friends, entertaining and feeding anyone in need or who would drop in to visit. She was a simple woman who lived a simple life and her faith made her strong so that she could endure with a smile in the times of adversity. She loved gardening and flowers, sewing and crocheting, creating wonderful gifts for those she loved and befriended. Her creativity and attention to detail brought joy to many. She was a member of the Olanta Baptist Church where she was a member of the Women's Missionary Union (WMU) and the Edna Myers Sunday School Class. In her later years, after moving to Florence, she attended Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church, where she formed enduring friendships and strengthened her faith. A compassionate and loving soul, Elease is survived by her two sons, David A. (Suzette) Wheeler of Florence, and S. Michael (Brandi) Wheeler of Manning. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Jessica W. (Charles) Evans, Alison (Bryan) Anderson, Harley W. (Cordell) Langton, and Alison W. (Justin) Taylor; step-grandson, Jeffrey Hyman, Jr.; and her great-grandchildren, Jett Evans, Stella Evans, Devon P. Taylor, Emma Anderson, and Myles Anderson. Elease is also survived by her sister, Jonnie Faye Seegars Thomas of Virginia Beach, along with numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Samuel Moode Wheeler, Jr.; her brother, James Seegars; and her sister, Myrlene Pierce. Their memories filled her heart with warmth and love throughout her life. A funeral service to honor Elease’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 2 PM in the chapel of Floyd Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Gregory Batchelor officiating. Burial will follow in the Olanta Baptist Church Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation from 1 - 2 PM at Floyd Funeral Home, 136 E. Main St., Olanta, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Olanta Baptist Church, P.O. Box 188, Olanta, SC 29114, or to Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church, 2317 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence, SC 29501. Arrangements are being handled by Floyd Funeral Home, Inc. The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of MUSC Hospital and McLeod Hospice for their attention, care, compassion and love shown to Mrs. Elease during her illness. The family would like to also recognize the many kind words, visits, love and care the family and friends showed to Mrs. Elise during her lifetime. Your visits and love made a difference in her life. Elease Seegars Wheeler will be remembered for her earnest conversations, gentle demeanor, and the deep love she held for those around her. Her grace and kindness touched countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy of love and thankfulness in the hearts of those she leaves behind.