- Date Of Birth: August 26, 1926
- Date Of Death: August 13, 2022
- State: North Carolina
Mary Clair Fields Wheeler passed away August 13, 2022 just 13 days shy of her 96th birthday. A lifelong resident of Durham, she was born August 26, 1926 to Ernest and Ona Page Fields. She married Leland H. Wheeler on December 18, 1944 while he was on a 10-day leave serving in WWII. A strong Christian union of 62 years ended with Leland’s passing in 2006
She was an accomplished cook, exceptional seamstress and meticulous housekeeper. Until no longer able, due to arthritis, she created beautiful needlepoint and crochet works of art.
She delighted in being a Cub Scout den mother and rain or shine rarely missed Steve’s Durham High School football games.
Mary Clair filled her home not only with love, but also delectable delights. She was well known for her irresistible hand pulled mints during the holidays. She tried to pass the skill of pulling mints onto Steve and Giny. Exasperated they declared it was their first, and likely their last, afternoon of making mints!
Mary Clair and Leland were charter members of Park View Baptist Church where she was church secretary for many years. She was an active, engaged member until she was no longer able to drive at age 90.
In addition to working at Laws Electrical Advertising, Mary Clair volunteered at Durham Regional Hospital for 39 years. She received great joy in giving her time to help others. She also filled her retirement years volunteering at church, traveling with the Mt. Sylvan Seniors and square dancing.
Mary Clair was pre-deceased by her parents; husband, Leland; daughter, Cynthia Ann, sister, Ann Francis (Skeeter); and brother, Merrell Fields (Helen).
Her memory will live on through her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Giny Fowler Wheeler and granddog Busy.
She also leaves one brother, Thurman Fields (Julia) and sister-in-laws, Nancy Wheeler Rogers (Robert) and Margie Wheeler.
