Barbara E. Wheatley

Obituary

Barbara Elata Waldron Crooks was born on December 21, 1929, in Darliston, Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica, West Indies, the daughter of Arthur and Winifred Crooks.

In 1950, Barbara married Ernest Whitfield Wheatley, a native of Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI). He was raised in Anegada, (BVI). Five children were born of this union. Ernest was one of the first Black licensed independent insurance investigators to build a highly successful business, Wheatley Investigations, Inc., in the heart of New York’s financial district. The couple made their home on Long Island, New York, initially residing in Amityville and later built a lakeside home in Massapequa. They remained married until his death in April, 1995.

Barbara was a trail blazer and a self-made woman. Shortly after coming to the United States in the early 50’s, she pursued a number of interests before obtaining a real estate license, her real passion. Her professional real estate practice concentrated on residential property sales and rentals. She focused on housing for low to moderate income residents in southern Long Island. During her career, Barbara invested her personal time and funds into building a “dynasty of properties.” She was known to own and manage over 15 properties at one time.

Barbara was also an outstanding cook of Caribbean dishes and an ardent gardener. She enjoyed reading the newspaper every day and playing the piano. She possessed a wealth of knowledge about a variety of topics, especially finance and politics.

With a pioneering spirit, the Wheatley’s invested in their community, opening Amityville’s first Black-owned restaurant, the Teenage Club, in the early 1950’s. She supported her husband’s membership in the Hollywood Lodge No. 92 F. & A.M., P.H.A., of Amityville by hosting children’s musical recitals and political events. Barbara actively contributed to her husband’s membership activities with the Anegada Progressive League, Inc. of New York, by sponsoring relatives, friends, and young people seeking residence in the United States.

Barbara Elata Wheatley died peacefully on Thursday, October 25, 2018, at her home, at the age of 89. She is survived by five daughters (Ernestine Susan, Marguerite Delores and Phyllis Erika of New York; Spring Estrelita of South Carolina; and Barbara Medora Green of Maryland); five siblings (Ivabess of New York; Jean of Florida; Blossom, and Lincoln (deceased) of Jamaica, West Indies); son-in-law, Matthew J. Green Jr., Esq.; five grandchildren (Monique Summer, Matthew Jeremiah III, Michael Alfred, Alexandra Barbara, and Michael Anthony). She is also survived by a host of other relatives and friends.

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