In remembrance: Lynn Wheeler, a colorful and feisty figure who used her charm to bridge political divides
'Lynn loved the City of Charlotte and all of its mess'; Tributes pour in
The following article appeared in the Feb. 26, 2024, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Long-serving former mayor pro tem passed away Saturday at age 80
Lynn Wheeler, who passed away this weekend, served 14 years on the Charlotte City Council. She enjoyed spending time with political and business figures, including former Charlotte Hornets owner George Shinn (upper right) and attorney Bill Diehl (lower right). (Photos from Wheeler’s website.)
by Ken Garfield
Lynn Wheeler, who died from pancreatic cancer Saturday at age 80, was an outgoing, colorful presence in a town whose public life can run a drab gray.
Wheeler served 14 years on the Charlotte City Council from 1989 to 2003 and was chosen as mayor pro tem. She was part of more political and civic boards than people have fingers and toes, including the city’s Economic Development Committee. Poignantly, given the cause of her death, she was honored years ago for her support of the American Cancer Society.
News articles Sunday on her passing noted that she helped push through construction of the taxpayer-supported Spectrum Center uptown (it opened in 2005) after voters rejected it in a referendum. But those who knew Wheeler from back in the day appreciate her for more than any one vote.
Former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot, a fellow Republican who was mayor from 1991-1995 and served alongside Wheeler, described her on Sunday as a gadfly and a feisty personality. He meant both descriptions as compliments.
She was a maverick, he said. “She went places other Republicans wouldn’t go,” Vinroot said. But she did it out of a love of public service, he noted.
Wheeler, a native of Richmond, Va., also never met a reporter she didn’t like. Said Vinroot: “She liked being quoted and being taken seriously.”
She was a master at schmoozing the press. The Fourth Estate got very few “no comments” from her. She hosted movers and shakers (and reporters) for dinner at her Myers Park home. WSOC-TV news reporter Joe Bruno posted on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday that hanging in Wheeler’s home were all of former Observer political cartoonist Kevin Siers’ works that featured her. One such cartoon depicted her with a broad smile and referred to her as “Wheeler the Dealer.”
“Lynn loved the City of Charlotte and all of its mess,” Bruno wrote. For a time, she was a political analyst for WBTV.
Google Wheeler’s name, and you’ll come across her website, “Word on the Street,” promising “Charlotte’s political and business scuttlebutt with Lynn Wheeler.” It features the “Latest Charlotte Scoop.” Alas, the scoop was from years ago.
But front and center were photos of Wheeler posing with such Charlotte giants of yesteryear as Charlotte Hornets founder George Shinn and the late celebrity attorney Bill Diehl. Wheeler is smiling broadly in each photograph, as if this is where she was born to be, rubbing shoulders with power and influence, savoring every second.
Ken Garfield is a freelance writer/editor and frequent contributor to The Ledger’s Ways of Life newsletter. Reach him at garfieldken3129@gmail.com.
—
Tributes pour in
Current and former political and civic figures from across Charlotte reflected on Wheeler’s life in news articles and social media on Sunday.
Former longtime Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, in the Charlotte Business Journal:
“She helped get Charlotte to where it is today,” McCrory added.
Of their time together on council and, later, with McCrory as mayor, he said that marathon council meetings in their pre-texting era benefited from exchanging humorous notes to relieve the tedium and tension of lengthy debate.
“She would make me laugh out loud,” McCrory said.
Former state legislator Joel Ford, in the Charlotte Observer:
“She could talk to Republicans and Democrats,” said former state legislator Joel Ford, a Democrat. “She could talk to CEOs and she could talk to sanitation workers. She was that kind of person and she treated everyone the same. She had a kind heart and a big heart.”
Former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education chair Elyse Dashew, on Facebook:
Dedicating tonight’s glorious sunset to Lynn Murphy Wheeler. She was so kind to me when I was starting out in politics. She will be missed by many, regardless of political party.
Charlotte City Council member LaWana Mayfield, on X/Twitter:
Last night, I lost an amazing friend. [Lynn Wheeler] became family over our decade-long friendship. I love you now & forever. Now you have no more pain & will soar in Heaven.
Former county commissioner Jim Puckett, on Facebook:
RIP Lynn Wheeler. We agreed and disagreed, but we’re always friends.
Former Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt, on Facebook:
Lynn was a true public servant. Whether you agreed with her or not, she put herself in the line of fire on critical decisions that mattered to the community. She served boldly in an era when city leaders worked across the aisle in the best interest of Charlotte’s future. May she rest in peace, and may her family and friends find comfort in knowing that her time on this earth was well-spent in the service of others.
Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 4 of our local newsletters:
➡️ Opt in or out of different newsletters on your “My Account” page.
➡️ Learn more about The Charlotte Ledger
The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news through e-newsletters and on a website. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing, or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
Like what we are doing? Feel free to forward this along and to tell a friend.
Social media: On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Sponsorship information/customer service: email support@cltledger.com.
Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman