Denyele M Wheat, beloved Mother, Daughter, Sister and Aunt passed away on January 7th, 2026. She was 55 years old. Denyele was a devoted mother, a proud veteran, and an extraordinary nurse whose life was defined by service to others. She passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and selflessness.

A loving mother of two children, Zion & Selah, Denyele poured her heart into her family. Being their mother was one of her greatest joys and proudest accomplishments, and her love for them was fierce and unwavering. She served honorably in the United States Army from 1990 to 1998, a chapter of her life that reflected her deep sense of duty and resilience. That same calling to serve led her into a remarkable nursing career.

An exceptional nurse, Denyele worked at the Cleveland Clinic from 2006 to 2007, where her skill and dedication quickly stood out. In 2007, she moved to Los Angeles and went on to become an ICU nurse at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, serving from 2008 to 2020. There, she was known for her clinical excellence, calm under pressure, and deep compassion for her patients and their families.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Denyele once again answered the call to serve. She courageously left Cedars-Sinai to work on the front lines of COVID relief, serving with FEMA and in multiple intensive care units across Texas. In a time of fear and uncertainty, she brought strength, comfort, and hope to countless lives.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Denyele was also known for her vibrant spirit. At times, she was truly the life of the party, she loved music, loved to dance, and knew how to bring joy and laughter into any room. Her energy was contagious, and those closest to her will always remember her smile, her rhythm, and the way she made people feel alive in her presence.

Preceded in death by parents Harry R. Wheat (Brenda) and Latricia A. Sparks, Grandparents, Harry L. “Kelly” Wheat, Rev Mary L. Wheat, Henderson O. Days, Lillie H. Roy, Jesse S. Roy and nephew Solomon M. Wheat. 

Survived by beloved children Zion V. Eddins, Selah I. Eddins and siblings Theophilus T. Wheat, Sheila Obeng (Ben), Shana Charles, Dyanna C. Scott, John E. Charles III and Sean M. Charles Sr. Beloved nephews and nieces - Theophilus T. Wheat II (Leslie), Dominique A. Wheat, Zachary T. Wheat, Jodeci M. Reed, Chase E. Charles, Oshun Z. B. Charles, Imani D. Scott, Angelia C. Scott, Cheyenne A. Scott and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, other relatives and many loving friends.

Denyele lived with courage, purpose, and heart. Her legacy lives on in her children, in the lives she saved, and in the joy she shared so freely with the world.