The life of Moses Wheatley embraces that of a great, wise and wonderful man. Moses was born on August 9, 1934, in Winnsboro, Louisiana to the late Jefferson Davis Wheatley and Bernice Robinson. He was brought up to be “respectful, hardworking, friendly, and strong” – weakness and laziness were not permitted in the no-nonsense world of Moses youth. As a young man he was an excellent athlete, who at 6 feet 4 inches excelled at basketball and football. He attended Franklin Parrish Training School in Winnsboro, LA where he was the star of the High School basketball team. After graduating from High School, he attended Grambling State College for one year before enlisting in the US Army. Moses loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Garden of Prayer #3 COGIC.
Moses was a retired Army veteran, who had done multiple tours of duty in Vietnam and Europe. He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant in the US Army. He served 25 years in the US Army before retiring on June 30, 1979. He then went to work for the Norfolk Naval Base Supply Center as a Stevedore Supervisor. He retired from the Norfolk Naval Base in 2000. Retirement was not a real word for Moses. In fact, during his spare time he refereed for over 50 years with various organizations such as SEFOA – Southeastern Football Officials Association, TSOA – Tidewater Sports Officials Association, and EOA – Eastern Officials Association until his retirement in 2018, due to his declining health. Anyone who officiated with him would say he was one of the most well liked officials. He was well respected by the coaches, players but most important his fellow officials. As was said many times, Moses was one of the good guys.
Moses was also a Master Mason affiliated with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia, Free & Accepted Masons, Inc. organization. He was a faithful member of Progressive Lodge #80 in Norfolk, VA for 47 years where he was initiated, passed and raised on June 15, 1973. He served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge from 1982 to 1983 and thereafter, served as a Past Master. He provided loving support, bestowed knowledge, wisdom and understanding to his fellow brethren’s.
As a proud, loving and diligent husband and father, Moses believed in the importance of marriage and family. So much so he was married twice. His first marriage was to Mildred V. Saunders, during their union they had three loving children: Kevin Sr., Jeffrey, and Wanda. Prior to his marriage to Mildred he fathered two beautiful children: Moses Jr., and Carolyn both deceased. Much later in life he was blessed to have his youngest child: Rynita.
Moses first wife Mildred passed in 1988. His second wife Gussie also passed in 2013. Moses was a family man. He enjoyed being married to both his wives and accepted all his stepchildren as his own. Moses leaves behind a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, all of whom he loved very much.
Moses loved all sports, but football was his favorite. Anyone who knew him knew he was an avid “Dallas Cowboys fan,” so much so, that one would think that he was invested in the team financially. He also loved to eat, and a good meal was something he looked forward to especially with family and friends during the holidays and at the family cookouts and reunions. He really enjoyed outdoor activities like gardening, fishing and crabbing. He was the fish fry master. It was not a cookout without Moses delicious fried fish.
As a whole, Moses was an extraordinary man, a man whose wisdom, knowledge, experiences and accomplishments put him in a very rare category – he was a king amongst men – whose humility, dignity, and class would not allow him to boast about himself. After a long and eventful life, Moses breathed his last breath and peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Sentara Leigh Hospital. This world has truly lost a giant.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bernice Robinson and Jefferson Davis Wheatley; his first wife Mildred V. Wheatley, a 2nd Wife Gussie L., a son Moses Wheatley Jr., and a daughter, Carolyn Rita Pin; four brothers, Arthur C. Dent, Johnnie Dent, Saul O’Steen, Jr, and Phillip O’Steen.
He leaves behind his endearing children: Kevin, Sr. (Melody) Wheatley of Springfield, VA, Jeffrey (Janice) Wheatley of Norfolk, VA, Wanda Wheatley of Cottage City, MD, Rynita Wheatley of Norfolk, VA, Raymond Brown of Chesapeake, VA, Kelvin C. Rollins of Houston, TX, Beverly Rollins of Winnsboro, LA, Johnson (Neina) Rollins of Texas, Delphyne Rollins of Heyward, CA, Angela Rollins-McCoy (Peter) of Houston, TX, Katherine Graham-Smith (Eric) of Chesapeake, VA.; a son-in-law; Marcel Pin of Marennes, France. Also surviving are: his last Aunt Zettie Mae Robinson of Winnsboro, LA; his sisters, Gussie O’Steen of Buffalo, NY, Mae Ollie (Winston) Grant of Lockport, NY, and Dories (Lionel) French of Waterbury, CN, his sisters-in-law Ruth Dent of North Canton, OH, Elsie O’Steen of Port Arthur, TX, 25 Grandchildren, 54 Great-Grandchild, 6 Great Great-Grandchildren, a host of many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Those wishing to send condolences may do so at Metropolitan Funeral Home – 7246 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505
Parents:
Bernice Robinson and Jefferson Davis Wheatley (Both deceased)
Siblings (Brothers and Sisters):
Author C. Dent (Deceased)
Johnnie D. Dent (Deceased)
Saul O’Steen Jr. (Deceased)
Phillip O’Steen (Deceased)
Gussie O’Steen
Mae Ollie Grant
Dories French
Wives: Both Deceased
1st Mildred V. Saunders – 12 Feb 1988 (Deceased)
2nd Gussie L. Rollins – 26 Nov 2013 (Deceased)
He married the late Mildred V. Saunders of Norfolk, VA in January 1961. They were married for 27 years. Later, he married the late, Gussie L. Rollins, June 1992 of Winnsboro, LA. They were married for 21 years.
Biological Children (6):
Moses Jr. (deceased)
Carolyn (deceased)
Kevin, Sr.
Jeffrey
Wanda
Rynita
Stepchildren (7):
Raymond Brown
Kelvin C. Rollins
Diane Rollins
Johnson Rollins
Delphyne Rollins
Angels Rollins-McCoy
Katherine Graham-Smith
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
© Metropolitan Funeral Service
Cynthia Witherspoon says
January 3, 2021 at 12:18 amThe best man I’ve ever known my daughters father so deeply missing him
Lois Powell-Jordan says
January 11, 2021 at 3:29 pmTo “God be the Glory “for all that he has done. I know Grand -ma Reather and Grand Paw Joe Wheatley, uncle J.D. (Jefferson Davis) Uncle Jim, Aunt Francis ,Aunt Alice Aunt Cindy and Aunt Edith welcome him with open Arms in “Heaven” just as they always did in life . Yes Moses stood as a Giant and he was blessed to have Roots that spread far beyound
most of them that new him.To his family, hold to Gods unchanging hands. PLEASE EXCEPT OUR HEART FELT CONDOLENCES .Your Winnsboro, La. family.
Vernon Aunchman says
January 3, 2021 at 2:52 pmMoses was a dear friend of mind for over 45 years. Morse and I worked for Naval Supply Center and then officiated for Eastern Officials Association. Morse will be missed by many of us. Rest in Peace my brother:
Vern Aunchman (friend/EOA rep.).
Charles Mayer says
January 3, 2021 at 7:35 pmMoses was a good friend. We officiated football together for a number of years. Not only did he know the rules, he was well respected by the coaches, players but most important his fellow officials. As was said, Moses was one of the good guys who left this world a better place..
Barbara Skarupa says
January 4, 2021 at 8:48 amMoses was the most gentle of a man, that I had the pleasure of knowing while officiating basketball and softball. I always got excited when I got to work with him. At pregame we would talk about food! I remember giving him a fish recipe that he tried, and was so excited to tell me how good it was. I love you Moses!
Robert Roeser Eastern Officials Secretary says
January 8, 2021 at 7:46 amEastern Officials Association has lost a gentle giant of a
man. Moses was awarded “Lifetime” membership for his
dedication and service to sports. We are so very sorry for
your loss and wish you peace during this sorrowful time.
Robyna Rogers says
January 8, 2021 at 9:40 pmUncle Moses, was a kind and gentle man full of joy and laughter. He treated me and made me feel like family. Although our time was brief I truly feel like I knew him for a life time. It was a pleasure to know him and to love him. Uncle Moses will truly be missed.
Fannie Beckem says
January 8, 2021 at 9:46 pmMy deepest condolences to Rynita Wheatly and family. I will continue to pray for comfort and peace for you and your entire family.
Deacon Patricia Page says
January 9, 2021 at 8:28 amPlease accept my sympathy Wanda Wheatley and family. I love you and stand ready to assist.
Donald J Lee says
January 9, 2021 at 9:48 amI had the pleasure of working with Moses from 1980 until last year. In all the games we worked I never once saw Moses “lose his cool”. He was a real gentlemen and it was a pleasure knowing and working with me. May God comfort you and bless you.
LaTonia Batts says
January 9, 2021 at 10:42 pmWanda, Janice and the entire Wheatley family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Wanda, I met your father only 1 time, years ago, but that 1 time I can remember. You and he reminds me of me and my father…. a very tight bond. From that I pray that you can draw strength. I love you all. Forever friends,
Judith Henderson says
January 11, 2021 at 1:23 pmMy condolences to the family of Mr. Moses Wheatley. While working at NOB, I considered him to be “The Gentle Quiet Giant With A Kind Smile.” Sweet dreams “Gentle Giant.”
J Otis Harris Jr says
January 9, 2021 at 11:57 pmMy condolences & prayers to Kevin Wheatley & family. May the Lord above, embrace you in his arms during this time of bereavement. ??❤️
Classmate VSU
Judith Henderson says
January 11, 2021 at 1:23 pmMy condolences to the family of Mr. Moses Wheatley. While working at NOB, I considered him to be “The Gentle Quiet Giant With A Kind Smile.” Sweet dreams “Gentle Giant.”
Dories French says
January 10, 2021 at 11:24 pmTo the Wheatley,
We are terribly sorry to hear of the passing of your dear father.
Moses was my big brother as I always referred to him. His smile was radiant. We will miss him, but the memories will live on in our hearts. We love all of you and we’re praying for you.
From his Baby Sister Dories and the French Family???
Faneisha Bray says
January 11, 2021 at 6:14 amWonderful man and father to my sister Rynita and his children. I thank God that I had an opportunity to know you and spend time with him in the past. You will be missed deeply. I love you.
CURTIS L NEWKIRK says
January 11, 2021 at 11:56 amMy deepest condolences and prayers to the family for their loss.
With Prayers,
Curtis Newkirk
Debra Walker says
January 11, 2021 at 8:21 amI am saddened by the passing of my father-in-law. He was a very good person with a wonderful big smile. I pray for his children that they will be comforted during this time. Rest in Heaven!
Geiger Family says
January 11, 2021 at 9:19 amWhile walking through this difficult time may you know that the Lord walks with you and He will comfort you. You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts as you grieve this difficult time.
Harvey R Lee Sr, MSG, US Army Ret says
January 11, 2021 at 10:18 amTo the family of Mr. Wheatley. I am sorry to hear of his passing today 11 Jan 2021. Mr. Wheatley was a mentor to me back when I lived on Brooklville Rd two house down. When I left the military in 1988 he was one of the people that encourage me to reenter. I did and I retired in 2003. I was also a Prince Hall Mason and he and I had several conversations about that. I retired in Northern VA and had not seen him in a long time. I am grateful for his guidance and always respected him and a professional and an upstanding leader of our community. RIP Sir and may God bless your family in this hour of bereavement. Bro Lee
Zettie Gilmore Dorsey (Sister) says
January 11, 2021 at 11:32 amOur hearts are really saddened. We will dearly miss the phone calls, cards and most important
the visits. We always looked forward to his hometown trips to see us. We cherished every moment listening to stories of old times. To the children and family there we are part of the Louisiana family. He was my first cousin and we have one aunt left that he loved dearly so know we share this loss with y’all. We will continue to pray for each other with love and compassion. ❤️❤️
❤️??????
Gary Butler says
January 11, 2021 at 12:02 pmMoses was a gentle giant.He will be greatly missed on the ball fields by all. Prayers for his family. Rest in peace my friend.
Cookie Miller says
January 11, 2021 at 12:50 pmYou are a very dear friend who will be greatly missed. God Bless You and May you rest in Peace.
Judith Henderson says
January 11, 2021 at 1:22 pmMy condolences to the family of Mr. Moses Wheatley. While working at NOB, I considered him to be “The Gentle Quiet Giant With A Kind Smile.” Sweet dreams “Gentle Giant.”
Lauren B. says
January 11, 2021 at 1:36 pmYou will truely be missed and always loved I had the pleasure of being in your presence you only a few times it will forever be cherished and the love that radiates from you will live on.rest easy and if you see my brother I’m sure yall would have lots of interesting convos?
Dicie, Cecil, and Family says
January 11, 2021 at 2:05 pmSo sorry we couldn’t be there with you but know that our love and prayers go out to all of you. tried watching service but service is down. may the Lord continue to bless and keep all of you. We pray God’s comfort and strength, be with all of you doing this time.
Love You All
Bessie Robinson Hollins says
January 11, 2021 at 2:14 pmOn behalf of his Aunt Zettie Robinson and myself Cousin you will truly be missed RIP to you my family ❤️
Bertha Lockett and Johnnie Joseph says
January 11, 2021 at 9:16 pmThe family in Baton Rouge, La
Will always cherish the times we had the privilege to have him visit us. Every time he was here he always took pictures so he could share them with his family when he returned home. We deeply share in this great loss and will always carry him in our hearts. We are his first cousins and our families sends Much Love, continued Blessings, Comfort and Strength at this time and always ❤️❤️❤️
The Griggs Family says
December 5, 2022 at 12:52 amI’m so sadden to learn of Mr. Moses passing. Our deepest condolences to the Wheatley family. May he forever live on in your heart!
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