Azaline (Payton) Wheeler

Azaline Wheeler

Age 100 of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2023 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet with her family by her side.

Born July 30, 1922 in Bay Springs, Mississippi. Azaline was a daughter of Will and Callie (Clark) Payton. She moved to the Joliet area at a young age and worked for St. Joseph Hospital until retiring. Azaline was devoted to her faith and was a long time member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Lockport. She sang in the choir for a number of years and built an everlasting bond with her church family. Her most treasured purpose in life was being a mother to her daughters, a grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother. Azaline was affectionately known as “Mother Wheeler” to all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Will and Callie Payton; four brothers: LeanDer, Luther, Philmore and Fred Payton, and two sisters: Zettie Miller and Jessie B. Wheeler.

Azaline is survived by her daughters: Dorothy Rogers and LeFloris Armstrong; grandchildren: Henry Rogers, Jr., Candace Rogers, Bret Rogers, Crystal Wheeler, James Armstrong, Detra Moore, and Jeffrey (Imia) Armstrong; 36 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until time of service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 18101 W Oak Avenue in Lockport. Interment will follow and Azaline will be laid rest at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Lemont.