Helen Doris Caldwell Wheeler, lovingly known as Doris, was born on January 11, 1939, in Buckhorn, Arkansas, to WM and Oma Caldwell. On February 24, 2026, at the age of 87, she stepped into glory after a courageous battle with cancer.
To her friends and family she was Doris. To her children, she was Mom. But her most treasured titles were Grand, Maw-Maw, and Grandma — names spoken by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy to her life.
Doris was one of sixteen children and grew up surrounded by a large and lively family. On July 13, 1954, she married the love of her life, Oneal Wheeler. Together they shared 63 devoted years of marriage before his passing in 2017. Their union was blessed with four children — Sheila, Bob, Cindy, and Laura — each deeply loved and fiercely protected by their mother.
At just 18 years old, Doris gave birth to her son Bob, who was born with Down Syndrome. Doctors advised her to institutionalize him and forget she had ever given birth. With unwavering faith and strength, she refused. She brought her baby home, loved him wholeheartedly, and fought for him every day of his life. Because of her fierce devotion, Bob lived a full and meaningful life. She was his greatest advocate and his strongest champion — and he was, without question, her pride and joy.
Throughout their life together, Doris and Oneal owned and operated four service stations in Helena, Moro, and Marvell. In 1980, they moved to Forrest City, where Doris worked at Sanyo until her retirement. In 1996, they settled in Newark, where they remained for the rest of their lives.
Doris loved her family with a fierce and unwavering devotion. She was the glue that held everyone together — devoted to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews. She instilled in each of them the importance of family, strength, loyalty, and above all, faith in the Lord. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, and that faith continues to sustain her family today.
She carried herself with grace and confidence. Doris had a presence that turned heads when she entered a room. She was always impeccably dressed — even for a simple trip to the grocery store. Looking her best was simply who she was.
Her strength was unmatched. Many friends and family have said she was the strongest person they ever knew – a legend. In her early forties, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. True to form, she drove herself from Forrest City to Memphis for treatments, often with her four-year-old granddaughter in tow. She refused to allow illness to interfere with caring for her family.
Doris was also known for speaking her mind. She possessed deep wisdom and gave the very best advice. With her, you always knew where you stood — and those who loved her appreciated her honesty, clarity, and unwavering loyalty.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Oneal Wheeler; her cherished son, Bob Wheeler; five brothers; eight sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: Sheila Drake (David), Cindy Holland (John), and Laura Wilson (Steve); her grandchildren: Stacey Chism (Jason), Kelli McClain (Mike), Heather Harvey (Jacob), Joey Fike (Savannah), and Joshua Allen (Kesha); and her treasured great-grandchildren: Steilee Ables (Parker), Zachary Chism (Anna), Jake Harvey, Bent McClain, Logan Harvey, Whit McClain, Cameron Ford, Stevie Joe Fike, Lilli Smith, Weston Allen, Joe Bob Oneal Fike, and Briggs Allen.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Caring Hands Hospice and her church family for their love and support.
Visitation will be held from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, at Jackson’s Funeral Home in Newport. The funeral service will be Saturday, February 28, at Newark Southern Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at the Caldwell Family Cemetery, 3101 Lee Road 132, Marianna, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Newark Southern Baptist Church or the Caldwell Family Cemetery.
