Gayla Marie Wheeler

Gayla M. Wheeler, 62, of Wayne City, IL, died at 6:24am on Friday, May 26, 2023, at the home of her sister. She had worked for the Defender’s at Continental Tire in Mt. Vernon, IL. 

Gayla was born on March 15, 1961, in Fairfield, IL, to Barbara Jean (Bozarth) and Richard McSorley. 

Survivors include her mother Barbara McSorley of Wayne City, a daughter Shana (Carter) Downen and husband Derrick Downen of Fairfield, two sisters Debra Ekstrom of Council Bluffs, IA, and Angie (Tom) Shields of Wayne City, two nieces Rececca Hayine and Tara McCarty, two great nieces Gabby Loudon and Henley Hayine, and four great nephews Robbie Loudon, Maxwell and River McCarty, and Logan Hayine. 

She was preceded in death by Ronnie Carter, her father Richard McSorley, and her maternal grandparents Burrell and Drucilla Bozarth. 

Per Gayla’s wishes, her body will be cremated. A memorial service with burial in Thomason Cemetery will be announced at a later date. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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