PORT GIBSON — Sarah Catherine Wheeless, 66, died Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at Promise Hospital in Vicksburg. Catherine was born Sept. 14, 1945, in Vicksburg. She was the daughter of Linnie Lingle Wheeless and John C. Wheeless. Catherine was a resident of Port Gibson other than during her teaching career when she resided in Baton Rouge.

She attended Louisiana State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and subsequently attended Southeastern Louisiana University where she received a master’s degree in education.

Catherine was a math teacher and taught in Baton Rouge for 20 years and one year at St. Thomas Aquinas in Hammond, La. After her retirement from teaching, she returned to Port Gibson and worked for the Port Gibson Chamber of Commerce for many years.

She was a lifelong member of the Port Gibson United Methodist Church where she participated in the lay ministry, hand bell choir, chancel choir and numerous Bible studies. She was a faithful member of the United Methodist Women’s Organization and served as president for several terms. Catherine conducted devotional studies and Communion services for the community elderly and shut-ins.

Catherine loved beautiful music, composing poetry and had a great appreciation for humor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Linnie and John Wheeless; and her sister, Joan Elizabeth Beesley. She is survived by her sister, Linda Moore (Earl) of Port Gibson; her brother, John Wheeless Jr. (Leah) of Vicksburg; nieces, Polly Moon, Linnie Wheeless and Sarah Hammond (Shea); two grand-nieces; one grand-nephew; and special friends, David and Karen Harrison.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2012, at the Port Gibson United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of the service. Interment will follow at the Wintergreen Cemetery in Port Gibson.

Pallbearers will be Linnie Wheeless, Leah Wheeless, Ann Wheeless, Walter Cade, Jr., Earl Moore, Cody Parker, Jeff Mac Segrest and Gerald Stampley.

Memorials are requested to the Port Gibson United Methodist Church or your favorite charity.

Glenwood Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.