Mary Elaine Gustin Wheat

Mary Elaine Wheat, 82, passed away January 1, 2026. Mary was born to Marion and Nellie Gustin in Des Moines, Iowa on January 11, 1943. She grew up in Guthrie Center, Iowa until attending the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls for her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She later received her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Appalachian State University. Mary spent her career as a special education teacher and an administrator before retiring from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School district. She was a member of Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, a loyal fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and enjoyed spending time with close friends at her Ladies Luncheons. Mary had an immense love for her family, and she made every day with them exceptionally memorable.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 43 years, William (Bill) Wheat and her daughter-in-law Beverly Wheat. She will be missed by her daughter Jean (Terry) Howerton, her son John (Laura) Wasco, her stepson Rick Wheat, and her grandchildren Chris, Nick, Tori (Josh), Allie, Mary Kate, and Sutton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Crisis Control Ministry of Winston-Salem or the Alzheimer’s Association to honor Mary’s memory and her heart for service and charity.

Visitation will be held at Mount Tabor United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 10th at 1pm followed by a service at 2pm. Interment will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park.