Janie Wheeler

Janie Wheeler was born in Acree, Georgia, to Eddie and Anna Brookins on August 20, 1934. A
graduate of South High School (1952), Janie continued her education at Actual Business
College before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969 and a Juris Doctor degree in
1977 from the University of Akron, Additional studies at Columbia University, The University of
Georgia and programs taught by professors from Harvard University reflected Janie’s lifelong
commitment to learning and person growth.

Janie’s dedication to service and leadership earned her numerous awards and recognitions
from organizations including Girl Scouts USA, the Akron Urban League, Jack and Jill, the
Gallup Institute, People’s Baptist Church, the Summit County Committee for Adequate Welfare
and many other community organizations. She made history as the first woman and first
African American President of the Greensboro Airport Rotary Club in Greensboro, North
Carolina.

A strong advocated for servant leadership, Dr. Wheeler served on the boards of Family &
Children’s Services in Greensboro, North Carolina; the Association of Black Women Attorneys
in Richmond, Virginia and the Chair of the Advisory Board for the Educational Institutional
Insurance Administrators in Chicago, Illinois. Her volunteer leadership also includes serving as
Chair of the Building Committee for the Harlem YMCA in New York, participation in the
Association of Black Women in Higher Education (ABWHE) and advisory roles with the Ohio
Coalition of Household Employees and Akron Household Technicians, United Way, Community
Action Agency, Children Services Board and the Urban League.

A pioneer and integrationist, Janie was one of only three Black women employed as cashiers at
Scott’s 5 & 10 Store in Akron, Chi in 1952. Her mentors, Rebecca Taylor and Thelma Coleman,
helped shape her path of achievement and service, Janie was also the second Back woman
admitted to the University of Akron School of Law and later became a senior executive office
with the Girl Scouts USA.

Janie was a charter member of the People’s Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio and a current
member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Wheeler, Sr; mother, Anna Clay; son James
Wheeler, Jr.; brothers, Morace McMiller and Orrin Clay, Jr.; sister, Ora Lee Anderson.

Janie leaves to cherish her memory, children, Linda Banton, Deborah Cook, Brenda Harrington
(Keith), Kenneth Wheeler and Barbara Harris (Ron). Siblings, John Clay, Marvin Clay and
Patricia Jackson (Michael); as well as a host of beloved relatives, friends and all those whose
lives were touched by her wisdom, leadership and unwavering commitment to service.
In Memory of Dr. Janie Wheeler, donations can be made to: Saint Matthews United Methodist Church,
600 East Florida St. Greensboro, NC. 27406