Modena Wheatley

Alma Modena Wheatley, age 93 of Columbia, TN, formerly of Henry County, died Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at her residence.

She was a homemaker who loved her garden and had the greenest thumb anyone had ever seen.  She brought many plants back to life and anything she rooted would grow and flourish.  Modena was ornery and feisty, was quick to tell you what she thought, and would always remind people to fight for their rights.  She loved her grandchildren very much and each one was special to her.  She will be dearly missed by many.

Modena was born December 21, 1929, in Henry County, TN, to the late Jack Wynn and the late Ivie Alma Lemonds Wynn.

She was married to Willie Wayne Wheatley, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Jane Wheatley of Columbia, TN; her son, Larry Wayne (Debi) Wheatley of Columbia, TN; four sisters, Velma Bolding, Shirley Evans, Lottie Hooper, and Margie Nanney; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Andrew) Latham, Stephanie Hurst, David (Allison) Hurst, Dawn (Michael) Jagodzinski, Tim Hurst, James Wheatley, and Sarah (Dennis) Roop; 18 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by three sisters, Ruby Lynn Wynn, Lillie Wynn, and Flossie York; seven brothers, Willis Wynn, Bobby Wynn, Harold Wynn, Wilburn Wynn, Hassell Wynn, Ernie Wynn, and Frank Wynn; and one grandson, Philip Wayne Wheatley. 

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN.  Visitation will be Friday, December 22, 2023, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home with Brian Wimberley officiating.

Family members will serve as pallbearers.

Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Paris, TN.