Noel Wheeler

Noel Montgomery Alexander Moore Wheeler was born on December 10, 1943, in Trinidad & Tobago to the parentage of the late Derrick Wheeler and Ruth Moore. He transitioned from this earthly journey on Monday, September 18, 2023.

Noel grew up in Cocoyea Village, San Fernando, Trinidad. He played bass as a member of the Gondoliers and Silhouettes steel bands with his brother David, aka Jessie.  Noel believed in education and carried a book everywhere he went. He taught and encouraged all the kids in Cocoyea to go to school. Noel graduated high school from St. Benedict’s in Trinidad and later from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science; and from Georgia Southern University with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. 

Noel relocated from Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia to Savannah, Georgia to work with Gulf Stream Company as a Purchasing Agent in 1991. Later in his career, the City of Statesboro employed Noel as the City’s first Purchasing Coordinator. Although Noel loved education, his passion was cooking. He dreamed of opening a restaurant and after retirement, he and his supportive, loving wife Jocelyn opened the Caribbean Feast in 2009. Due to Noel’s health, the restaurant was eventually closed.

Noel was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Savannah for over 30 years, where he held various positions as Treasurer, Men’s Club member and the Vestry. He was also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

Noel leaves behind to cherish his memory a loving wife of 27 years, Jocelyn Poole of Statesboro, GA; three daughters: Shawn Wheeler, Lauren Wheeler, and Courtney Wheeler and one grandson, Jeremiah Wheeler, all of Minnesota; five brothers: Franklin Wheeler (Angela), David Wheeler (Vero), both of Toronto, Canada; George Wheeler (Shirley) of Atlanta, Georgia; Rurick Wheeler (Yvonne) and Winston Wheeler, of Trinidad; and two sisters: Eulaine Charles (Milton) and Jane Clouden (Anthony), also of Trinidad.

He also leaves behind his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earnest and Florine Poole of Surry, VA; brother-in-law Earnest (Phyllis) Poole, Jr. of Williamsburg, VA; sister-in-law Shonda Poole of Surry, VA; and godchildren: Wade Hardy of Surry, VA, Genevieve, Nnedi, Chichi Okafor all of Atlanta, GA; and Uche Okafor of Statesboro, GA.  He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. Noel was preceded in death by a brother, the late Charles Vanley Wheeler.

Public viewing for Noel will be held Friday, September 29, 2023, from Noon until 5:00 PM. The family will receive guests from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Matthew H. Lovett & Son’s Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Noon on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1401 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Savannah, Georgia. The Reverend Father Guillermo Alejandro Arboleda, Rector/officiating, and The Reverend Dr. Francys Johnson will give words of comfort.

Per Noel’s wishes, final disposition will be cremation.

Please keep the Poole-Wheeler family in your prayers. 

Special family request: in lieu of flowers, please make all donations to:

Dr. Saba Jallow Legacy Fund

Georgia Southern University

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

P.O. Box 8094 • Statesboro, Georgia 30460

https://cbss.georgiasouthern.edu/dr-saba-jallow-legacy-fund/