Evelyn Carney Carney Wheeler

Evelyn Carney Wheeler, 54, of Brunswick, GA died Monday, September 28, 2015 at St. Vincent Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. She was born November 3, 1960 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Richard and Caroline Carney, and had been married 31 years to Greg Wheeler. The couple was new empty-nesters, having just shuttled their daughter Caroline from college graduation off to her first job, only a few weeks earlier.

Her family, her friends and her faith were the touchstones of Evelyn's life. She was devoted to her mother and father, keeping their memories alive, and recently said of her dad, “he was a man who truly loved and cherished his family.” The exact same could be said of her. Proud of her forbears, she delved into genealogy, and made sure subsequent generations knew of their ancestors' accomplishments. She is survived by her loving husband, Greg Wheeler; a daughter, Caroline Wheeler; two brothers, Steve Carney of Jacksonville, Fla. and Harold Carney (Karen) of Atlanta, Ga.; five nieces and nephews also survive. She embraced them all in her devotion and care. However, the depth and breadth and warmth of her love and loyalty spread well beyond her immediate family, to far-flung relatives and a legion of friends, drawn to her through the years.

In her whirlwind social life – which, in a long list of associations, included membership in the Red Hat Society, the Sunshine Ladies and the “Beachy Flamingoes’’ – she brought fun and humor to every gathering, as well as the appropriate hat, accessories and drink recipe. She also found her creative outlet in party planning and decorating.

She was a fierce animal lover, active with American Brittany Rescue, and had several pets of her own – her dachshunds, in amusing stories and photos, were stars of her Facebook feed, where she was known by the nom-de-plume “Chip.”

She was never shy about sharing her thoughts on any subject, standing up for her principles, and suffering neither fools nor hypocrites, turning on them with her sharp wit and an utterance of, “What the heck is wrong with people,” or some similar phrase.

A devout Catholic, she was extremely active in her church and its activities, was a member of the Council of Catholic Women, a Eucharistic minister, and a superb catechist; her joy was to prepare children for their first communion. Her priest praised her “extremely generous spirit,” and said she was always available, whatever was needed.

She had lived in Brunswick since moving from Atlanta in 1984, and started her own medical billing company, after working in the field for many years.

She was an avid reader, and enjoyed crafts of all kinds, such as scrapbooking, sewing and cake decorating. Other favorite pastimes included perusing Amazon.com (Starbucks in hand), heralding the arrival of pumpkin spice season, and watching reality TV competitions, among them Survivor and The Amazing Race, then dissecting the drama with friends near and far.

Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2015 at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, 3321 Glynn Ave., Brunswick, Ga. 31520. The funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2015 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1120 Newcastle St., Brunswick, Ga. 31525. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church, 1000 North Way (Highway 17), and P.O. Box 1079, Darien, Ga. 31305.

Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. www.edomillerandsons.com