Ann H. Wheeler

Ann H. Wheeler

1937 - 2019

Ann Horka Wheeler, age 82, passed away on June 29, 2019. She was born in Shreveport, LA on June 8. 1937 to Henry Thomas Horka and Marguerite Tucker Horka.

From her youth, Ann possessed an innate love of simplicity and individuality. She was unique and unpretentious; she loved life and fought to live her own life well, with a vivacity that lasted until the end. A spitfire, she had a strong will that strove for independence and solitude, manifesting a determined passion to live life to the fullest through the simplest of pleasures: devoting herself to family and friends and enjoying many hours together; raising and riding horses in her free time and in rodeos all across the South; and gardening with an unrivaled green-thumb that through her meticulous care would see anything grow and spring to life. From infancy, she was a devout Catholic, and for most of her life, she woke to read the Bible and pray the Rosary. Ann could be seen at Mass on Sunday, and always made sure that she went to confession weekly. An accomplished student, she attended Lamar University, University of Texas, and Texas A&M University, where she obtained degrees in History, English, and Physical Education. Her propensity to pursue education eventually led to a short career as a teacher, teaching both at Silsbee ISD and Saint Ann’s Catholic School in Beaumont. She would later go on to own and operate Cowboy Headquarters Western Store in Silsbee, TX alongside her mother, often retaining one of everything due to her love of Western wear. She was compassionate and loving to all animals and often provided a home to many stray cats and dogs. As a health-conscious person, Ann was always careful about what she ate, shopping for whole foods and often eating her homegrown vegetables. She loved her solitude and the simple, country life, but she was a loyal friend, was always proud of her family, and was devoted to her most meaningful job in life: being a mother to her son, Lee. “Dan”, as her grandsons would call her, was a proud grandmother. Ann was a fighter: fighting for her family, fighting cancer and beating it, and fighting to live life the way she wanted to live it. Ann was Ann. There was only one like her, and her unique character will be forever remembered by her loved ones.

Left to honor her memory is her beloved son, Jesse Lee Wheeler and wife, Millette, of Lumberton, TX; brother, R.F. “Bo” Horka and wife, Pam, of Silsbee, TX; grandsons, Jake Wheeler and Cole Wheeler, of Lumberton, TX; nieces, Dianna “Deedee” Scott and Misti Doucet; and numerous grandnieces, grandnephews and extended family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation with family and friends will be on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 S. Main St., Lumberton, TX, with a recitation of the Rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m. led by Ftr. Andrew Moore. Ann’s life honoring graveside service will be on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Old Hardin Cemetery in Kountze, TX, with Ftr. Andrew Moore officiating.

The Wheeler/Horka Family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for all the love, support and prayers during this time and are deeply grateful for the time we have been given.

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