flossie lee mosley evans wheaton
1895-1991
Life Story
Jasper & Newton Counties, Mississippi
Flossie Lee Mosley Wheaton was born on July 6, 1895, in Newton County, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Sherrod Mosley (1860–Aft. 1940) and Nancy Jane Evans (1868–?), two pillars of the early Altare and Evans Cemetery community. Raised in a large, close-knit farming family, Flossie spent her early years working as a farm laborer on the family land—reflecting the agricultural lifestyle shared by most rural Black families of the era.
Marriage to Horace S. Evans & Family Life
In her early adulthood, Flossie married Horace S. Evans (1879–1967). By 1920, they were residing in Southeast Jones County, Mississippi, where Horace worked as a farmer and Flossie continued the demanding daily work associated with rural household and farm life.
From their union, three children were born:
- Virgie Evans (1915–?)
- Lula Mae Evans (1916–1976)
- Annie Mae Evans (1919–1995)
Flossie played a central role not only in raising her children but also in supporting her husband’s farm operations during an era when women’s agricultural labor was indispensable.
Return to Jasper County
By 1930, the Evans family had relocated to the Garlandville area of northwest Jasper County, where they continued farming. Their household reflected the typical multi-generational structure of rural southern families, rooted in cooperation, shared labor, and resilience.
According to the 1940 census, Flossie had completed the 4th grade of elementary school. Her occupation was listed as an unpaid family worker, and her usual role was that of housewife, which encompassed extensive responsibilities—childcare, gardening, livestock tending, food preparation, and seasonal farm work.
Later Years & Second Marriage
At some point after the 1950 census, Flossie married a second husband whose surname was Wheaton, a man associated with Jasper County, Mississippi. The 1950 federal census listed her as a widow and living in Jasper County with her grandchildren and her stepson, continuing to serve as the family matriarch. Even in widowhood, Flossie maintained a nurturing presence, anchoring the younger generation.
Passing & Burial
Flossie Lee Mosley Wheaton passed away on January 23, 1991, at the remarkable age of 95. She was laid to rest at Evans Cemetery in Newton County, the sacred ground where many members of the Mosley and Evans families are buried.
Her long life bridged the era of post-Reconstruction farming communities, two world wars, the Great Migration, and the modern civil rights period. Through all these changes, she remained devoted to her family, her home, and her community.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
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