Janice Marie Caraway Wheelis
Of Melbourne, Arkansas

Janice Marie Caraway Wheelis, daughter of the late Flino and Lillian Dover Caraway, was born August 10, 1946 in Sidney, Arkansas. She departed this life April 13, 2021 in Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of 74 years, 8 months and 3 days. She was united in marriage to Lowell Gene Wheelis and together they raised two sons. Janice spent her life as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, homemaker and friend. The majority of her professional career was with the Melbourne Housing Authority, where she served as Executive Director for over 30 years. She was inducted into the NAHRO Housing Hall of Fame in 2008 for her outstanding contributions to the housing programs for low-income families, elderly, and handicapped throughout Arkansas. She was a member of the Melbourne First Baptist Church where she served on the social committee.
Janice never sought to be the center of attention, but with her big personality and her quick wit, she brought the energy and life to every occasion. Humility, compassion, and generosity were some of her defining characteristics. All of Janice's interests and activities paled in comparison to her greatest love, her family, and specifically her grandchildren. She was the heart and soul of the Wheelis family and she was the living embodiment of sacrificial love.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years: Lowell Gene Wheelis; two sons: Joel Wheelis and wife Traci of Little Rock and Brad Wheelis and wife Tina of Melbourne; one sister: Faye Lassiter of North Little Rock; four grandchildren: Haley Wheelis, Lillian Wheelis, Reagan Wheelis and Thomas Wheelis as well as a host of other relatives and many good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Delmus Caraway.
Visitation will be Friday, April 16 from 6-8 p.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne. Funeral service will be Saturday, April 17 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church in Melbourne with Rick Burke and Doyne Robertson officiating. Burial will be at Finley Creek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 554, Melbourne, Arkansas 72556. or Miracle Village International, Inc., C/O David Miller, Trustee, P.O. Box 890, Melbourne, Arkansas 72556.
Pallbearers: James Miller, Gayle Cooper, Mark Herrington, Robert Wright, Stacey Wright, Gary Sims.