Afro-American woman born in Carbondale, Illinois in 1913. Graduated from high school in Metropolis in 1930. Attended Southern Illinois University and Kentucky State University. Taught in secondary schools in Belgrave and Chester, Illinois. Married Luther Wheeler in 1937, and moved to Springfield in 1942.

Diplomas, certificates, photograph albums and memorabilia documenting Wheeler's childhood, family members, and educational activities. Also certificate and diplomas documenting educational activities of her grandfather, B.F. Porter, a medical doctor and certified hypnotist. Of note is a rejected claim for pension in 1902 from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pension – War with Spain.