Melba June Snapp Wheeler, 87

Melba June Snapp Wheeler, age 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Lakeland on Sunday, June 13, 2021.

She was born January 7, 1934 in Plant City to Pyro Jewel Snapp and George Washington Snapp. She met Jerry T. Wheeler when they were attending Plant City High School and in 1952 they were married. They lived in Lakeland, FL for 53 years.

Melba graduated from Florida Southern College in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and from the University of Florida in 1962 with a Masters in Education Administration. She also graduated with a Specialist degree in Psychology from Western Carolina. While at Florida Southern, she was a member of Delta Zeta sorority and served as a mentor for many years as the President of the local Panhellenic Association.

Melba was preceded in death by daughter, Mona Kim Wheeler. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Jerry Wheeler, daughters Jerolyn Wheeler Hutton and Gena Wheeler Batman, and grandsons Caleb Batman and wife Brianna Batman, and Joshua Batman.

Melba was an accomplished pianist, loved to sing and was passionate about traveling. She traveled all over the world, including to Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Germany, Austria, Italy, Israel, Jordan and many others. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Lakeland.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday June 26th at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Dover Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes.