Obituaries

Linda Turner Wheeler departed this earthly life on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the age of 79, in Vallejo, California, surrounded by her loving family.

Linda was born on January 27, 1947, in Madera, California, to T.J. Turner and Odessa Thomas Turner. She was the firstborn of thirteen children and the oldest grandchild on the Thomas side. At an early age, she accepted Christ and attended Knox Chapel AME Zion Church. She spent her childhood in Madera and graduated from Madera Union High School in 1964.

After graduating, Linda attended Business College before beginning her career with Madera County as a secretary. A few years later, she met Noah Webster Wheeler, Jr. in Fresno, California. The two later married and relocated to Oakland, California, where Linda lovingly embraced his three children, Sharalene, Darnell, and Kenneth "Flex" Wheeler, as her own.

Linda's career included positions with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in San Francisco, where she worked as a clerk for five years, followed by more than six years with the California State Treasury Department. In 1972, she joined the General Motors plant in Fremont, where she worked until it closed in 1982. When General Motors and Toyota reopened the facility in 1984 as New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI), Linda returned as a Team Leader and remained there until the plant closed and she retired in 2010. In 2018 Linda joined Greater Cooper AME Zion Church in Oakland, California, where she faithfully worshipped. She also became a member of Corene Payton Society and a Stewardess.

Linda was a genuinely kind and likeable person who brought joy to those around her. She loved driving and learned to drive her father's diesel trucks, often taking them to be fueled after his long workdays. She also learned to operate a forklift while working at the motor plant. One of her most prized possessions was her 1973 Pontiac Grand Am. She enjoyed traveling, attending jazz festivals and concerts, fishing, and going to the movies every week. Her homemade oatmeal cakes became a family favorite. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Linda remained active by joining a Parkinson's support group and participating in weekly yoga sessions. She was a devoted Raiders fan, faithfully supporting the team no matter where they called home, and she also enjoyed watching the soap opera Beyond the Gates. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Odessa and T.J. Turner; her younger siblings Joan, John, and T.J. Jr.; and her brothers Stanley, Robert, and Steven.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three sisters: Thelma Turner La Caze of Elk Grove, Ca; Sheryl White (Percy) of Vallejo, Ca; and Angela Turner-Stevens (Richard) of Sebastopol, Ca; her three brothers: Michael Turner of Santa Rosa, Ca; David Turner of Elk Grove, Ca; and Jeffrey Turner of Santa Rosa, Ca; her aunt, Eulah Tate of San Jose, Ca; her uncle, Larry Thomas Sr. (Jennifer) of Sacramento, Ca; her children, Sharalene Wheeler-Reaves, Darnell Wheeler, and Kenneth "Flex" Wheeler; her grandchildren, Keeyawna Porche, Kiesha Turner, Kalea Turner, and Kameron Mattox along with many other beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Linda's life was a beautiful reflection of kindness, unconditional love, and a pure heart. She was a devoted sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend whose warmth touched the lives of many. Her love, laughter, and gentle spirit will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved her.