Rachel A. Wheeler, 83

FELTON - Rachel A. Wheeler of Felton departed this life Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 83

Mrs. Wheeler was born Oct. 15, 1923, to the late Charles and Laura Benson.

Her entire life was spent in Delaware.

Mrs. Wheeler was employed by the Delaware Highway Department and the Delaware State Police Academy as a cook.

In 1940, she gave her heart to the Lord and joined The Red Hall Church of the Living God under the pastorship of Bishop Orlando Taylor. Later, she was under the spiritual guidance of Bishop Leroy Washington of Mt. Carmel Church of the Living God for 30 years.

Mrs. Wheeler was a member of First Scripture Alive Church where Melvin T. Jackson was Ppastor, after which she became a member of Greater Life Christian Church under Bishop James Ashley Sr. and continued under the leadership of Pastor James Ashley Jr. and served faithfully until her health prevented her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Wheeler; her parents, Charles and Laura Bell Benson; her daughter, Mary Benson; two brothers, Samuel Benson and Harry Benson; and three sisters, Elsie Gibson, Mary Mumford and Evelyn Baines.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories her great-grandson whom she raised as her son, Dana Benson of Newark; three sisters, Catherine Simms, Ina Brokenbrough and Doris Hooks, all of Dover; one brother-in-law, Granville Brokenbrough of Dover; two granddaughters, Brenda Benson Turner and Cheryl Benson; nine great-grandchildren; 37 great-great-grandchildren; four great-great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and friends; and a good family friend, Sterling Sharp.

Services will be noon today at Greater Life Christian Church in Starhill, where friends may view two hours prior.

Burial will be in Sharon Hill.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.