Darleen S. Wheelington, 63, passed away peacefully Friday, August 21, 2026, while hospitalized in Little Rock. She was born June 6, 1963, in Prescott, AR to Connie and Eloise Wheelington.

She was preceded in death by her parents Connie and Eloise Lewis Wheelington and her brother Dale Wheelington. She is survived by her partner of 37 years, Darla Stivers; brother David Wheelington (Janie); sister-in-law Kaye Wheelington; nieces Candi Wheelington McLeran (Jeff), Cortney Wheelington Burford (Jeremy), nephews Roger Wheelington, Ryan Wheelington (Michelle), great nieces Kayla Burford, Leah McLeran, Brooklyn Wheelington, Hope Wheelington; great nephews Hayden Burford, Noah McLeran and Dawson Wheelington. She is also survived by her special chihuahuas Kelsey and Oops and many close friends, customers and dog show buddies.

Darleen graduated from Fairview High School in 1981 and was active in FFA. Darleen’s love for animals led her to open Waggin’ Tails in April of 1986. For 40 years she has boarded, groomed and trained many pets for the Camden area. Darleen loved all her customers and was honored to care for everyone’s pets.

Her accomplishments were many and varied but primarily focused on animals. She loved showing her dogs all over the country and had many champions in various breeds. She was named National Women in the Pet Industry Woman of the Year, Advocate of the Year in 2013, and Women of Influence award winner for Women Leaders in the Pet Industry in 2016. She was a member of Arkansas Animal Control Association of Certified Cruelty Investigators, founding member, president and show chairman of the South Arkansas Kennel Club for 20 years, show chairman of the Southeast Arkansas Kennel Club in Pine Bluff for four years, founding member and director of OASIS (Ouachita Animal Shelter and Information Society) for many years.

Darleen worked tirelessly to promote events that would enrich the businesses and Camden community. She was involved in Lions Club by serving as District 7L District Governor 2010-2011, Arkansas MD 7 Council Chair 2011-2012, Camden Noon Lions Vida H. Lampkin award to Outstanding Young Women in 2005 and held other various positions. Through her involvement in Lions Club, she became a puppy raiser for Leader Dogs for the Blind. She was also involved in starting the Camden Chapter of the American Red Cross. Darleen was a member of the Victory Church in Camden and played on the Praise Team for many years. She was active in handling the animals at church events.

In lieu of flowers consider donating to your favorite animal charity. Visitation will be Monday, August 24, 2026, at Proctor’s Funeral Home from 6 – 8 p.m. The services will be held at Victory Church at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Commitment will take place at the church following the service because of the heat. She will be laid to rest at Red Hill Cemetery in Chidester.