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Patricia “Patsy” Wheeler McFerren of Buena Vista. God blessed this world with our mom on April 7, 1942, and he took her home at 3:37 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. She died as she lived, fighting till the end.
Our mother was the strongest, most courageous and most loving mother. We will forever thank God for giving her to us. She will always be our strongest supporter and defender. We will miss her phone calls just to tell us she loved us, several times on a daily basis.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Bernie Wheeler; parents Eddie and Anna Beard; brother Bobby Beard; many special aunts and uncles; and her fur babies Willie and Wayland.
Surviving are her loving husband of 40 years, John McFerren; her son, Michael (Cindy); her daughter, Sherrie (Al); her stepson, Scott (Cindy); and her grandchildren Brandon and Natasha McFerren. She is also survived by many friends and family members. She loved her visits from Sharon and Tom Bice, Patty and Bruce Lewis and her bonus daughter Tami and Kevin Williamson. She especially loved visits and phone calls from her “grandchildren” Jade and Adam Williamson and her “great-grandchild,” Clover.
Mom and John got married on Dec. 31, 1983. Ten years later mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and both their lives changed. Their plans to travel were short lived but they enjoyed their days by watching movies, playing cards, holding hands and spending special moments together. They have a never-ending love and have been devoted to each other for 40 years. John never left her side and held her hand throughout this process. He has been a devoted husband and father.
Mom and our family have been blessed with an added family member who has been supporting us with her unyielding faith and guidance. Nancy Gilbert has been our angel on Earth. Mom was blessed with a special friend for life, Marjorie Nell Dyer. Marjorie Nell called, visited and sent cards every week. Mom always said they were friends from birth.
Mom was a huge sports fan. She loved watching football and basketball and would listen when MS took her ability to see. You could hear her “woohoo” from all over the house when she cheered for her Wahoos, Crimson Tide and Redskins but she was loudest when her “Fighting Blues” were on the radio. She was and will always Be A Blue!
Mom worked at Reeves Brothers and was the manager of American General Finance until the company moved to Staunton. Mom’s final employer was Virginia Military Institute. It was at VMI where she found her “home.” She loved VMI and the many people she met but no one was as special as Col. Mike Strickler. She formed a very special bond with him and they continued their friendship after her retirement.
Mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 50. She battled that demon for 31 years. It took her ability to walk and her ability to see but it never took her ability to love!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MS society, an animal shelter of your choice, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Stone Church of the Brethren. Mom’s wish was to be cremated. She hated the darkness and the cold. She will continue to stay with us in the home she loved.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Stone Church of the Brethren on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. Family will receive friends one hour before the service.
Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services. N-G
