Sadie Rae (Britt) Wheeler

Mrs. Sadie Rae Britt Wheeler, 90, of Fayetteville passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025. 

Sadie was born on May 3, 1935, to James Avery Britt and Rose Mae Lamb Britt. Raised in a family of sharecroppers, Sadie knew hardship, but as she often said, “We didn’t have everything, but we had love.” She was one of ten children, with four sisters and five brothers: Annie Mae Hair, Ina Ruth Britt, Dollie Hair, Doretha Toby Horne, Joe Britt, Jake Britt, Johnnie Britt, James Britt, and Grover Buddy Britt.

At the age of four, Sadie and her younger brother, Buddy, contracted spinal meningitis. The illness claimed Buddy’s life, and Sadie was left to relearn how to walk and talk—an early testament to the quiet strength and perseverance that defined her life.

She married Haywood Wheeler in 1987, with whom she enjoyed many happy and loving years together. Haywood passed away in 2005.

Sadie remained a quiet widow, living independently in her two-bedroom home, which she happily shared with her two parakeets. She was a faithful church member, attending every Sunday. Throughout the week, she delighted in speaking to anyone who would listen about her God. Her love for people and for God shone through every part of her life.

Sadie’s ministry was prayer. She devoted herself to praying for others and sending anointed handkerchiefs to those in need of the Master’s touch. With a large and loving extended family, she was often the first call when someone needed prayer. She took this calling seriously, spending many hours each day on her knees, lifting up those she loved.

When asked each year what she wanted for Christmas, Sadie’s answer never changed: “I just want to see everyone in my family saved. What a blessing that would be.” Her heart’s desire was always centered on faith, family, and eternal hope.

The last two years of Sadie’s life were unfortunately marked by physical challenges and change. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her nephew, Donnie Hair, who lovingly put his own life on hold to care for her in her home, making sure she had everything she needed, cooking her favorites, and providing devoted care so she could spend her final days peacefully and happily at home.

Sadie's parents preceded her in death, and she was the last of her siblings.

She is survived by a beloved family of nieces and nephews, including Karen Collins, Jerry Paul Britt, Doris Rogers, David Britt, Mary Rogers, Evelyn Hall, Juanita Caltagarione, Rebecca Matthews, Frances Owens, Janet Jackson, Betty Jo Justice, Bonita Horne, Shirley Taylor, Kay Britt, Foster Britt, Barbara Atkinson, Jesse Britt, Rose Britt, Denise McKinley, Douglas Rowland, Sandra Everette, and Donnie Hair, all of whom she lovingly babysat when they were young and who fondly remember hiding under her skirt tails to avoid a switch from their parents. They will forever cherish her love, protection, and gentle spirit.

Sadie’s favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm, which brought her comfort in every season of life and continues to offer comfort to all who loved her.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 12 noon to 1pm at Fayetteville Assembly of God.  Funeral services will follow at 1pm with burial at Cumberland Memorial Gardens after the funeral.

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

Online condolences may be sent to www.jerniganwarren.com.

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