Sarah Jean Wheeless

Sarah Jean Wheeless, a dedicated educator and beloved family member, passed away near her hometown of Copperas Cove, Texas, on November 22, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on September 13, 1949, and was raised in the Copperas Cove area.

Sarah's journey through education began at Copperas Cove High School and blossomed further at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree from Murray State University in 1974. She later pursued a Master’s degree at the University of California in San Francisco. Sarah dedicated her heart and soul to teaching special education across various states - in Austin and Copperas Cove in Texas, and in Oakland, California. Her students and their families will surely remember her not only for her commitment but for her ability to sprinkle joy and laughter into every learning moment.

As a military wife supporting her husband’s service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Sarah embraced the challenges of relocations with grace and enthusiasm. She loved exploring new cities, discovering cultural highlights, and savoring diverse culinary experiences. Throughout her journeys, she fostered a lifelong passion for reading and storytelling, enchanting those around her with her humor and ability to make people laugh.

An avid reader and lifelong learner, Sarah possessed a love for knowledge, seeking new information, and sharing with others what she learned. Her love for learning was rivaled only by her sense of humor. Friends and family fondly recall her ability to weave a humorous story and bring a smile to people's faces with her quick wit. It was this rare gift that endeared her to many, making her a joyous presence in their lives. The bluebonnets and yellow roses of Texas always held a special place in her heart, reflecting her spirited love for the state she called home.

Sarah’s personal life was marked by her pride in her family. She is survived by her husband, Patrick Williams, her daughters, Melissa and son-in-law Thursten Simonsen, Barbaraella Frazier, Morna Williams, and son Brendan Williams. She was especially proud of her granddaughters Katelyn and her husband Caleb, Emma, Lauren, Sadie, Clara, Celeste, and Fiona, as well as her great-granddaughter Sunny. Her siblings, Utahna and her husband Sam Hancock, Thomas and his wife Jamie Wheeless, Mark and his wife Monika Wheeless, and Karen Shaw, will also carry her memory.

While her immediate family and friends will carry forward her legacy, Sarah is preceded in death by her father, Thomas Oren Wheeless Sr.; her mother, Utahna Shaw Wheeless; and her sister, Joanne Wheeless. Their memory, cherished and revered, will serve as a reminder of the warmth Sarah brought into the world.

The absence of her laughter and wisdom leaves a void in many hearts, a testament to a life beautifully lived yet far too soon departed. Sarah Jean Wheeless remains forever cherished, her spirit woven into the very fabric of those she loved so dearly.

The memorial service for Sarah Wheeless will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1502 Virginia Ave, Copperas Cove, Texas 76522.