Wanda Kay Holton

Our beloved, Wonda Kay Holton, entered into this life on May 20, 1949 and passed peacefully from this life into the hands of the Lord on the morning of Tuesday, July 14, 2020 in Pearland, TX at the age of 71.

Wonda Kay Holton, affectionately known as Kay, was the eldest daughter of the late Laura Mae Hilliard and Alexander Jacobs and the bonus daughter of Cornelius Hilliard Sr. Wonda was a graduate of North Gulfport High School in Gulfport, MS. She furthered her education at Mississippi State University earning both an undergraduate and master degree.

Wonda Kay was afforded the opportunity to travel abroad and reside in several countries which was a humbling experience for southerners at the time. She later moved back to the United States to Texas where she worked with a major corporation, Digital Software Company. She enjoyed her time with the company and later retired to Long Beach, MS. Once back to her roots, she worked for a short time with the Gulfport School District. Wonda Kay joined Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS. She was an active member until her health failed holding the positions of president of the Board of Christian Education, member of the Pastor’s Aide Committee, and a tutor at the church’s afterschool program where she assisted high school students to apply and write essays for college. She also was extremely active in the community as after Hurricane Katrina struck the MS Gulf Coast, she worked with the W.E.R.D.A program to assist individuals facing hardships with housing. Wonda was also a member of the Red Hatters Club and subscribed member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Wonda took great joy in assisting others to reach their goals and aspirations. The elderly and children held a special place in her heart. She always motivated youth and young adults to chase their dreams and to excel in education. Her favorite motto was “Once you get your education, no one can take it away from you.”

Wonda valued her family above all. She lived by the quote that “You can pick your friends, but not your family.” Though she did not have any biological children of her own, she was a motherly figure to many including two Goddaughters: Teri Ducksworth-Jones and Katelyn Ducksworth. She supported the efforts of her family and gave life lessons that we continue to live by today. She was a caring person and true humanitarian as she gave to those in need. She loved to travel, dine out, talk on the phone, and attend church activities. She always reminded others of the unfailing love of our Heavenly Father.

Wonda is preceded in death by, her parents Cornelius and Laura Mae Hilliard Sr., and Alexander Jacobs, her brothers Rev. Marlon Wayne Thomas, and Rev. Cornelius Hilliard Jr., and her grandmother Nelda Cherry.

She leaves to cherish her memories, a loving and devoted sister, Laura Jean (Gene) Ducksworth, both of Houston Texas. Five loving nieces Teri Jones-Ducksworth, Katelyn Ducksworth both of Houston, Krystle Hilliard and Cornajsa Hilliard of Gulfport MS, and Marlo Handford of Denver Colorado. One nephew, Bryan Hilliard of Gulfport, MS. One great niece Carrie Jones and one great nephew Camren Jones of Houston Texas. A host of aunts, cousins, and friends.

Wonda Kay Holton was a Proverbs 31 woman as strength and honour were her clothing. When she spoke, wisdom was on her tongue and she stretched forth her hand to the needy. God is well pleased with the life she lived, and she is resting in Him.