Dorothy Elise Wheeless

Dorothy “Missy” Wheeless passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026 at her cottage in North Carolina.

There are people who see life exactly as it is. Missy was not one of them. Instead, she always chose to see life as she wished it to be, a little more beautiful, a little more fun, a little more compassionate, and a little more gentile. And she turned this choice into instinct for taking every opportunity to make life for those around her prettier, kinder, lighter and just a bit more theatrical than it truly was. It was her most beguiling trait and it immediately endeared her to anyone who came into her path.

Accepting growing older, for example, was simply unnecessary. Missy reached her late thirties at some point, quietly decided she'd stay there, and never revisited the matter. The rest of us were welcome to continue aging if we wished.

But her whimsical approach to life was accompanied by a bright mind and deep professional commitment to serving children. Missy spent her professional life counseling children as a respected psychologist at Sheppard Pratt Hospital and the Forbush School. She earned undergraduate degree from University of North Carolina and her master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and devoted decades to caring for children, continuing to work until early 2025 as her passion for her work never ebbed.

Outside the office, ballet remained one of the great loves of her life. If you spent more than a few minutes with Missy, chances are you heard that she had danced in The Nutcracker. You would usually hear this more than once. She continued taking ballet classes well into later life and could still drop into a split at an age when most people are content merely to bend over and tie a shoe.

She was a Leo in the fullest sense of the word. She never demanded to be the center of attention—it simply seemed the most logical place for her to stand. She possessed an uncommon gift for conversation. Missy genuinely wanted to know about your life, your family, your adventures and your worries. She listened with warmth and curiosity that made people feel unexpectedly interesting. Friends and strangers often walked away feeling they'd shared the best conversation they could remember.

Missy was pre-deceased by her husband and lifelong sweetheart, Dr. Clifford (Bob) R. Wheeless, Jr. They started dating in eighth grade and were married for over 60 years years, moving from Atlanta, Georgia where they grew up to make their life, raise their children and enjoy so many wonderful friendships in Baltimore, Maryland.

Missy enjoyed spending time at the cottage she and her husband built in Henderson, North Carolina calling it her own little slice of heaven. Missy is survived by her son, Clifford "Bob" Wheeless III (Carol); her daughter, Elise Kiely (Neil); her sister, Jane Menendez; and her grand children—Luke Wheeless, John Wheeless, Hannah Kiely and Francis "Ike" Kiely—who brought her endless delight, although in true Missy fashion, she preferred to call them her friends from another generation.

Missy will be remembered for her kindness, her wit, her curiosity about other people, and her remarkable ability to replace life's rough edges with something softer and more beautiful. She reminded us that while reality is unavoidable, there's no rule that says we must accept it as it is. Oh, and did we mention that she danced in The Nutcracker?

The Wheeless family is kindly being cared for by the staff at Gentry- Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home, 503 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565. Online memorials may be made at: www.funeral home.com.