Anna Mae Wheat, 89, of Mode, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham.

Born on June 27, 1935, in Tower Hill, to Leo and Sylvia (Roberts) Harlow.  She married Carl LaVerne Wheat on May 18, 1951, in Taylorville. Their union was blessed with a lifetime of shared moments until Carl's passing on April 30, 1994. Together, they nurtured a family that would be Anna's greatest legacy. She is survived by her son, Dennis (Mattie) Wheat of Mode; daughter, Debra Howe of Mode; grandchildren, Jason (Jessica) Howe of Mode, Deidra Howe of Cowden and Joseph (Anne) Wheat of Altamont; great-grandchildren, Jordyn (Christian) Eggers of Stewardson, Jansyn (Cameron Reynolds) Howe of Farmer City, Jaelyn Howe of Mode, Jacob Howe of Mode, Brittany Wheat of Flowery Branch, Georgia and Casey (Cordell) Wheat of Stewardson; great-great-grandchildren, Maximus and Sage of Flowery Branch, Georgia, Turner and Phellicity Kersey of Stewardson, Hadley Thrush of Stewardson and Camson Reynolds of Farmer City; brother, Robert Harlow and sister, Fern Lenover, both of Pana. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Otis "Bill" Harlow; son-in-law, Edward "Gene" Howe and her best friend, Marcia Craig.

Anna will be fondly remembered for her love of animals, especially the hummingbirds she watched with wonder. Anna's younger years were filled with the joy of playing cards, bingo, slot machines and crocheting and most importantly, the precious time spent with her family. Her hands were rarely still, and her door was always open, welcoming anyone in need of a good game, a warm smile, or a listening ear.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Shelbyville. Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Shelbyville is assisting the family.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.