Doris Wheeler, a dedicated community member and former Correctional Officer, passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 67. Born on January 11, 1959, in Gary, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late District Elder Nordley Wheeler Jr. and Lea Etha Wheeler. Her life was marked by faith, family, and a commitment to service.
Doris was baptized at Logan Park Assembly of Christ, where her spiritual journey began. She graduated from West Side High School in 1977, a milestone that set the foundation for her diverse career. Over the years, she took on various roles, ultimately serving as a Correctional Officer at the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. Her work in law enforcement reflected her dedication to community safety and her strong sense of justice.
Doris’s family and friends remember her as a loving individual who cherished her connections with others. She is preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings, including five sisters—Bernice Turner, Bettie Finkley, Leler Polk, Annette Wheeler, and Carlene Jones—and three brothers—Elbert Wheeler, Nordley Wheeler III, and Edrick Wheeler.
She is survived by her son, Donovan Clinton-Allen McDonald, and two sisters, Mary Douglas and Roena Dickinson. Her special friend, First Lady Debra Cotton, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives, will also miss her deeply.
Final Farewell and Community Tribute
A visitation is scheduled for January 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at the Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, located at 4937 Massachusetts Street. Elder Sherman Paul will officiate the services, which will conclude with interment at Oak Hill Cemetery.
The community is invited to honor Doris’s memory by planting a living memorial or sending flowers. Her legacy of service, faith, and family will continue to inspire those who knew her. As friends and loved ones gather to celebrate her life, they will remember Doris not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her unwavering kindness and generosity.
