Loreta Avalee Wheeler Mullins

Loreta Avalee Gilbreath Wheeler Mullins, age 93, peacefully entered her Heavenly home on January 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Avalee was born in Lindale, Georgia, where she was raised and spent most of her life before later moving to Rockmart, Georgia. A woman of remarkable strength and determination, she was a hard worker who took great pride in her career at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Plant.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Avalee was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church of Rockmart, where she faithfully served through the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), the Rainbow Club, the Ladies’ Sunday School Class, and the church choir. She also enjoyed fellowship with the Golden Age Group at First Baptist Church of Rockmart. Her love for the Lord was evident not only in her faithful church service, but in the way she lived—reading her Bible daily, serving others selflessly, and sharing her strong, unwavering faith with those around her.

Avalee embraced life fully. She loved sewing, cross-stitching, cooking for her family and others—especially through her church repast and fellowship team—traveling, bowling with her team, and spending cherished time with those she loved. Known for her sass, honesty, humor, and strength as solid as steel, she was also deeply loving, fiercely loyal, and deeply faithful to her Lord and Savior.

She was preceded in death by her first love and beloved husband, Bill Wheeler, and their two precious infants, William and Deborah. Avalee often said that after this great loss, God blessed her with a new family when she married L.C. “Kayo” Mullins, Jr., who also preceded her in death. Through that union, she lovingly gained two daughters and a family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren she adored, a blessing she treasured deeply and thanked God for often.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Lois Elizabeth Wood Gilbreath and Joseph Leroy Gilbreath; her siblings, Mary Roberson, Louise Rush, Jean Roberson, Bonnie Sorrells, Thurman Gilbreath, Brenda Edwards, Buford Gilbreath, Joyce Byrd, and Doris Spoon; and her nieces, Nina Fennell and Frances Fennell.

Avalee leaves behind a family who adored her and will forever cherish her legacy of faith and love. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia “Trish” Chappell (Burney Baldwin) and Susan Pierce (Ken); her granddaughter, Stephanie Williams (Scott); her grandsons, Wade Pierce (Britt) and Adam Pierce (Harley); her great-grandson, Wright Williams; her great-granddaughters, Blair Pierce and Polly Pierce; her brother, Dan Gilbreath (Vivian); her nieces, Tonya Pilgram, Sonia (David) Lane, Kim Gilbreath, and Debbie Foutz (Paul); her nephew, Joe Camp (Diane); along with several loving great and grand nieces and nephews, and countless dear friends she made throughout every season of her life.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who lovingly cared for Avalee; the compassionate staff at Brookdale Rome; her favorites, Maci and Jenna at Transitions Hospice; Tapestry Hospice; the caring team on AdventHealth 3rd Floor ICU East; and Kevin Link, for the kindness, dignity, and comfort shown to her and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Avalee’s name to Second Baptist Church of Rockmart, 112 S. Piedmont Ave., Rockmart, GA 30153.

Avalee’s life was a testimony of faith, resilience, and love. She was deeply loved, and her legacy will live on through the family she cherished, the lives she touched, and the faith she so beautifully lived out.

Funeral services for Mrs. Mullins will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Second Baptist Church of Rockmart with Rev. David Warriner officiating. Interment will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Riverside Cemetery in Lumber City, GA.

Mrs. Mullins' family will receive friends at Second Baptist Church on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Loreta Avalee Wheeler Mullins.