Dixie Rae Wheelock

Dixie Rae Wheelock, age 77, of Lynn Haven, Florida peacefully passed away on February 3, 2026 surrounded by her family. Dixie was born in Painesville, Ohio to Lorraine Gray West Wheelock and Richard W. Wheelock. She and her family moved to Florida from Madison, Ohio in 1965. Dixie graduated from Marianna High School in 1967. In 1971, she received her Bachelors of Science in Education degree from Troy State University. She continued her education at Florida State University receiving her Master’s Degree in Reading Education in 1997. She began her teaching career with Bay District Schools at A.D. Harris Sixth Grade Center. She continued her career as a Language Arts teacher at Merritt Brown Middle School and Bay High School. During her 40+ years as an educator, Dixie enriched the lives of many students and was devoted to giving each of them the best education possible.

Dixie was an accomplished and talented Cross-Stitcher. She spent hours on each piece, meticulously stitching to perfection. Her beautiful pieces are a tribute to the love of her hobby and the joy each brought to her. Sadly, in recent years her debilitation prevented her from continuing the hobby that brought her so much satisfaction and peace.

Dixie is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Lorraine Wheelock and sister, Tamara Jill McGriff. She is survived by two sisters, Wendy Bass (Steve), Terri Hejduk (John) and one brother, Richard Wheelock (Donna); 7 nieces and 22 great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her cherished friend, Dr. Tommye Lou Richardson, her son, Mike; precious pets, Opal Rose, Kitty and Scout.

The family wishes to thank Dixie’s doctors, therapists, nurses and staff at Gulf Coast Hospital and Pruitt Healthcare Center. The family is thankful to the many friends who offered prayers and concern for Dixie, as she endured her difficult health journey. We wish to express deep appreciation to Saint Andrew United Methodist Church Pastors, Rev. Dr. Hanna Garrett- Johnson and Pastor Milton Burk for their comforting and compassionate presence for Dixie. Cards from church members brought smiles during dark hours. The flowers, visits, love and prayers from the Congregational Care Committee at SAUMC were a source of great comfort.

Dixie’s journey was long and hard, but as anyone who knew and loved her through it will say, “She did it with grace and dignity.” She will be missed greatly.