Louise Young Wheeler

August 10, 1927 - March 27, 2021

Louise Young Wheeler, 93, passed away on March 27, 2021, in Memphis. She was born on August 10, 1927 in Memphis, Tennessee to Louis A. and Irma C. Young. She graduated from Humes High School in 1945. Louise was predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years Reginald "Reggie" Orr Wheeler, brother Richard C Young, and sister May Gordon. She is survived by her daughter, Darnelle W. Podgorski (Wayne), granddaughters Pam Matochik (Brian) and Sara Nelson (Brian), grandson Kevin Podgorski, 5 great grandchildren, several cousins, nieces and dear lifelong friends. As a 40 year member of the hospitality industry, she worked for Allen & O'Hara for 10 years, followed by the Holiday Inn, Thibodaux, Louisiana for 29 years as General Manager. In Louisiana, she embraced the Cajun culture wholeheartedly. Welcoming travelers and traveling were two of her favorite activities. Louise had many leadership roles in her communities and churches throughout her life and it was her honor to serve for 15 years on the Governor's Committee for Tourism in Louisiana. There she worked diligently to enhance tourism to Lafourche Parish in southwest Louisiana, making it not only a local but international destination. At retirement, she and Reggie returned to their beloved hometown of Memphis leaving a host of dear friends in Thibodaux. She enjoyed many wonderful years of retirement including spending time with family and friends and travels all over the world. Louise's immeasurable kindnesses to those she encountered along life's journey were focused on the quote, "The best portions of a good man's life are his little nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love." She will be remembered dearly by her loving family and many others who cherished her as a surrogate mother, valued mentor and sweet friend. The family will receive relatives and friends on March 31, 2021 at 1:30 PM followed by the funeral service at 2:30 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue in Memphis. The burial will immediately follow the service. Donations in Louise's name are welcome to be sent to Germantown United Methodist Church, Germantown, Tennessee or First United Methodist Church, Thibodaux, Louisiana.