St. Louis jazz legend Mae Wheeler died at her Maryland Heights home Wednesday after a long illness. She was 77 years old.
The singer, affectionately known as “Lady Jazz,” suffered from both colon cancer and leukemia and passed away weeks after doctors exhausted all treatment options.
Wheeler’s career spanned over six decades. She was performed at various local venues throughout the years, including Brandt’s, the Sheldon, Harrah’s, Moose Landing and many more.
She is survived by her five children, 16 grandchildren and at least 18 great-grandchildren.
Poet and author Winimosetta Hill dedicated the following poem to Wheeler’s memory:
LADY JAZZ
DIVA: Divine Woman embodied with the full essence of life;
Woman supreme,
Wise songbird of psalms in life’s varied keys;
Ambition with contentment amplified harmoniously;
Reaching possibilities others do not see;
Rooted in truth and bare-boned philosophy;
Dues paid up.
DIVA: something special someone of giftedness;
Voice of wonder shaking stubbornness into swiftness;
Calming sound in the wilderness;
Blessed with strength, embraced in grace;
Gentle pusher, prepared to follow through with faith;
Priviledged prima donna diligently inclined
To heed the call to help others rewind each time.
DIVA: leader, striver, brilliantly bossing, enhancing!
Romancing blue spirits to start joyously dancing!
Excellence in craft and art, of all genres of tunes,
Exquisite lady with heart rendering grooves,
Perpetual busy beaver…
We take this moment to applaud you, dear Diva,
As a remarkable achiever!
(to Mae Wheeler) – Winimosetta Hill
