Mae Wheeler funeral services, memorial concert scheduled

Information on funeral services for Mae Wheeler has been released, as well as details on other events honoring the late singer, who died last week at 77 after a long illness.

* There will be a "Jam Session Celebration" from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. this Friday, June 24 at Eddie Randle & Sons Funeral Home, 4600 Natural Bridge Ave.

* Wheeler's funeral will be held this Sunday, June 26 at Greater Grace Church, 3690 Pershall Rd. Viewing will be from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., with the funeral program at 4:30 p.m. and a repass immediately following. At 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 27, Wheeler's body will be taken by horse-drawn carriage from Randle & Sons to Memorial Park Cemetery, 5200 Lucas & Hunt Rd., for interment.

* A memorial concert to benefit Wheeler's charity, a scholarship fund for C students who want to go to college, has been scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11 at the Sheldon Concert Hall.

The event will feature performances from singers Jeanne Trevor, Denise Thimes, Gene Lynn, Marsha Evans, Bill Tucker, Renee Smith, A.J. Dickerson Sr, and Wendy Gordon; Elvis tribute artist Steve Davis; the Gateway Men's Chorus; Trio Trés Bien; the Bosman Twins; and classical pianist Kalid McGhee. The house band will include Jeff Anderson (tenor sax and upright bass), Jimmy Hinds (electric bass), Eric Slaughter (guitar), Al Barnes (drums), Carolbeth True (piano) and Tony Simmons (keyboards).

The event will be hosted by jazz broadcaster Don Wolff and KTVI newswoman Bonita Cornute, and St. Louis city license collector Mike McMillan will present a proclamation honoring Wheeler. Tickets are $10 for general admission, and be available at the door starting at 6:00 p.m. the evening of the show.

* A.J. Dickerson Sr tells StLJN there also are plans in the works for a "Gospel Showcase" in honor of Wheeler on August 30 at the Sheldon, with more details to be released at a later date.