Marion Wheatley

Sorrells Funeral Home and Crematory of Enterprise

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Posted by: Sorrells Funeral Home
[email protected]
334-347-9598
Date: Apr 10 2014 4:03 PM

Major Marion Wheatley, age 86, formerly The Salvation Army corps officer in Glens Falls NY, residing at Kelly’s Place Enterprise, AL was promoted to Glory on Thursday April 10, 2014 from her residence.

A memorial service will be conducted by Major David Champlin, Divisional Commander, Southern New England Division of The Salvation Army, at The Salvation Army, 37 Broad Street, Glens Falls, NY 11:00 am on Saturday, April 19, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kelley Place, 109 Chaney Drive, Enterprise, AL 36330; or Salvation Army, 37 Broad St., Glen Falls, NY 12801.

Marion was born on August 5, 1927 in Jersey City, NJ to Joseph and Sarah Filkins. She graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1944. Following High School, Marion was employed at a bank in her hometown.  Being called by God as a minister, she entered The Salvation Army training college and was commissioned and ordained as a Salvation Army officer in 1946.

She married the love of her life, Edsel Wheatley on November 3, 1947, and together they served as Officers (Pastors) of The Salvation Army in appointments throughout NY state (Gloversville, Ogdensburg, Poughkeepise, Oneonta, Lockport, Albany, Niagara Falls, and Glens Falls).  She retired from DHQ in Syracuse in 1991 after nearly 60 years of combined service. 

In post-retirement, Marion worked as the bookkeeper for the Glens Falls Salvation Army.  She was very active in the Corps playing in the band, singing in the Songsters, and enjoying the Ladies group.  Marion loved her family and loved life.  Her life was devoted to serving God and His people.  She brought cheer to everyone, regardless of their social status.  She was highly respected within every community in which she served.  In recent years, Marion, along with her late husband Major Edsel Wheatley moved to Enterprise, AL to be near their daughter Yvonne Swidergal and their grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husband in 2006 and a son Mark Edsel Wheatley in 1991; her parents Joseph & Sarah Filkins; brother Joseph Filkins and sister in law Patsy; brother Morgan Filkins; sister, Eleanor Parker; and sister-in-law Hazel Filkins.

Marion is survived by her daughter Yvonne Swidergal; 2 grandchildren: Martha Reid and Joseph Swidergal; 3 great grandchildren: Ayden Reid, Rylynn and Kallie Swidergal; one brother, Paul Filkins (Loretta); sister-in-law Karen Filkins; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many friends.

The family wishes to thank the Staff at Kelly Place for their constant compassionate care.

Sorrells Funeral Home and Crematory of Enterprise, (334) 347-9598, is in charge of local arrangements. To sign a guest register, please visit www.sorrellsfuneralhomes.com.

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