SPARTANBURG, SC -- Sarah Rearden Wheeler, 71, was the loving wife of 47 years to Richard B. Wheeler, Sr. and the mother of R. Bernard Wheeler, II. Despite her incredible will and courageous fight, she was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. Born in Columbia SC, she was the daughter of Mrs. Sara McMillian Rearden & the late Mr. John T. Rearden. Sarah retired from Spartanburg County School District #7, having taught sixth grade at Highland Elementary School and E.P Todd Elementary School. Upon retirement she served as an Adjunct Professor for Converse College as a Supervisor of Student Teachers. She served her community well as a Deaconess and Member of Mt Moriah Baptist Church, where she took part in numerous Church Ministries. Sarah was a Silver Star Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Spartanburg Chapter of Jack & Jill, Inc. and a Quette of Epsilon Nu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Sarah is survived by five sisters and one brother. A Celebration of the Life of Sarah Rearden Wheeler will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt Moriah Baptist Church, 445 S. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306. Dr. Benjamin D. Snoody will officiate. Interment will be held in the Heritage Memorial Gardens, 3901 S. Church St., Roebuck, SC 29376. Final Rites for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC 29303. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Building Fund, 445 S. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306. The family will receive friends at the home, 505 S. Converse St., Spartanburg, SC 29306. J.W. Woodward Funeral Home