Wanda Fae Thompson

Funeral: 10:30 a.m. Friday at Shannon Rose Hill Chapel in Fort Worth followed by graveside prayers in Greenwood Cemetery in Fort Worth. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel.

Wanda Fae was born into a legacy of community activism, to parents O.D. Wyatt (principal of North Side, Central, then Paschal high schools) and Lollie Dillard of Fort Worth. She married Leslie "Tommy" Thompson, an Army Air Force colonel, in Alamogordo, N.M., 1943 and they shared 52 devoted years together. They had two sons, Donald of Billings, Mont., and Tommy Dean of Pantego. She moved to Billings, Mont., to be near Donald and his wife, Claudia Oakes, in 2008.

Everywhere Wanda went she made lifelong friends. During her stay in Billings, she touched hundreds of people, who considered her their "best friend." She was interviewed on TV and was featured in the Billings monthly magazine "The Magic City."

Known for her honesty and tenacity, always upbeat and intrepid, she would not shy from a cheerful, insistent and ultimately effective call, be it to the mayor, city councilman, or county sheriff. Wanda Fae's genuine enthusiasm and optimism were inspiring. She filled a room with her love of life and feisty spirit. Comforted by her presence, you left knowing things would be better.

Wanda Fae was a much loved member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was initiated in Chapter EM, Arlington, on Dec. 7, 1990. She inspired by example and served loyally. Shortly after her move to Billings, she transferred her membership to Chapter AV in Billings. She remained active in that chapter until her death.

Wanda Fae attended Oklahoma University, returning to Fort Worth at the start of World War II, where she began working at the rationing board in the Blackstone Hotel downtown. One day Tommy walked in to purchase ration stamps for tires and as they were always fond of telling, "it was love at first sight."

In later years, in response to the earnest question, "What was the success of your remarkable marriage?" Tommy said "We've always laughed together a lot, however, I really decided to marry Wanda Fae immediately after my first bite of her chocolate pie."

She was preceded in death by her brother; O.D. Jr.; parents, O.D. Wyatt and Lollie; and husband, Leslie Thompson.

Survivors: Sons, Tommy Dean Thompson, Donny Thompson and his wife, Claudia Oakes, and her cousins and their families in Katy; and all of the nieces and nephews (in-laws and out-laws); and her many loving friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel & Cemetery, Fort Worth, TX.