Anna Jennie Sharp Wheeler Oswald's Obituary
Anna Jennie Sharp Wheeler Oswald, after a full life of 95 years, left this earth to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, April 3.
She was born to Russell J. Sharp and Millie May Lumbert Sharp on February 20, 1925 in Greenville, MI. She is mother of eight and the grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother to 58. She was predeceased by her parents, brother, Earle Lucas Sharp; son, Steven Wheeler, and daughter, Marian Wheeler Mihalovits Everett.
She is survived by children: Linda Wheeler of Grand Haven, MI, Cassie Wheeler Sylvester (Mickey) of TN, Dennis Wheeler (Amy) of SC, Vernon Wheeler (Lisa) of PA, Necia and Todd Wheeler of Muskegon, and many grandchildren, great grand and great-great grandchildren residing in CO, MI, NC, PA, and SC, a half-sister, Pat Crater of Greenville, MI, longtime best friend, Kay Larsen of Fruitport, MI, school friend, Jane Gibson Miller of Baldwin, MI, and Bette Parsons, Sweetgrass Village, Mt. Pleasant, SC.
She wished to acknowledge all family, extended family and friends who loved her, sheltered her, and provided daily comforts in later years. She especially wanted to thank family in SC for love, lodging, healthcare and financial support, especially Amy Wheeler, whom Anna called her “angel” who worked tirelessly for many years providing her with care, friendship, and companionship.
Anna was a lifelong Christian and was led to church at the age of five where she joined the Bethlehem Lutheran church in Zilwaukee, MI. Wherever she lived, she worshipped and enjoyed bible study and worked in outreach. She practiced and taught a lifetime of worship and Christian values to her family, gave to others in need, volunteered and contributed to the Arts at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon, MI, and the Theater Winter Haven, Winter Haven, FL.
While sojourning with family in Tennessee, she volunteered at The Pregnancy Resource Center, Maryville, TN, in an effort to support her lifelong desire to save children.
Anna most loved family time, travel, music, especially the big bands and Elvis, dancing, reading of all types, devotionals, shopping, cooking and baking. Pies were her specialty for birthdays, Sundays and holidays. In early years she loved roller skating, ice skating and bowling. In later life she was an avid cruise traveler and bingo player at Sweetgrass Assisted Living, SC where she befriended and inspired other residents and staff with her faith, wit and determination to live well.
Anna was the widow of both the late Vernon Wheeler of Grand Rapids and Max Oswald of Winter Haven, FL. She retired from Shaw Walker-Knoll Corporation then worked many years as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Muskegon and Winter Haven, FL well into her eighties.
The immediate family will hold a private service on Good Friday at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
To support Anna’s wish to save children, she requests in lieu of flowers, that donations may be made to the following faith-based agencies: Muskegon Pregnancy Services (https://muskegonpregnancyservices.org/donate), 1771 Wells Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442 or The Pregnancy Resource Center (https://youmakeherbrave.kindful.com), 103 Station Drive, Maryville, TN, 37804. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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