Barbara Townsend Wheeler

Barbara Townsend Wheeler, age 82, of Palmer Dr NE in Conover, passed away peacefully in her sleep and went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Barbara had been a resident of TerraBella Senior Living in Newton for 17 months. She was born in Boone, NC on February 29, 1944, to the late Allen and Eva Townsend.

Barbara was an amputee of 50+ years but remained agile well into life, so much so that many who knew her had no idea she had a prosthetic leg. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who poured herself into her family and relationships.

Her late husband, Aldene, was a minister for over 50 years, and Barbara was very proud to be a minister’s wife. She worked diligently in her role supporting him and the church families they served. In her younger years, when she had good vision, she was an artist who specialized in oil paintings. She was also a gifted seamstress.

Most importantly, Barbara loved Jesus and her relationship with Him. She openly shared that love with anyone who would listen—and even with some who wouldn’t.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Aldene Wheeler; a sister, Pat Greene of Boone; two brothers, Glen Townsend of Boone and Dana Townsend of Lenoir; and a grandson, Jesse Burnett of Bluffton, SC.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Sheila Burnett (husband Sammy) of Conover; a brother-in-law, Shawn Wheeler (wife Loretta) of Cape Girardeau, MO; one granddaughter; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A service to honor Barbara’s life will be held at Jenkins Funeral Home in Newton on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. with Rev. William Church, David Townsend and Sammy Burnett officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment and a graveside service will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir at 10:00 A.M. the following morning for family members and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to Startown First Baptist Church General Fund in Barbara’s memory. The church address is 2615 Sigmon Dairy Rd, Newton, NC 28658.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net.

The Wheeler family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton, 828-464-1555.