Wanda Mills Pauling

Wanda was born in Winfield, Alabama, on May 9, 1931, to Chelsie Mills and Freida Harper. She was one of five children. Wanda graduated from Winfield High School in 1949 and was selected by her classmates as “Most Likely to Succeed.” She briefly attended the University of Montevallo before studying at Auburn University, where she was a member of several honor societies and the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She graduated with a B.S. in Home Economics in 1953.

While teaching in Dallas, Wanda met her husband and love of her life, Fred W. Pauling, a second-year medical student at Southwestern Medical School who later became a thoracic surgeon. They were blessed with two children, Fred Jr. and Elizabeth.

Wanda and Fred shared an avid interest in music art and travel. Over her lifetime, Wanda traveled to Europe, Asia, and Africa, grateful for the opportunity to experience many cultures. A self-proclaimed Francophile and romantic, she had especially fond memories of her visits to Paris, particularly of wandering the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay.

Wanda was a lifelong patron of the arts. After moving to Houston, she volunteered for 10 years as a docent at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. She was an active member of Northwoods Presbyterian Church, where she devoted her time to supporting the music ministry. In addition, Wanda was involved in fundraising for the Texas Master Chorale.

When the Pearl Fincher Art Museum opened, Wanda became a generous supporter. Her many contributions included volunteering as a docent, funding the Pearl Concert series, and donating a Steinway grand piano. In 2016, 2017, and 2018, she sponsored a piano competition to “inspire and encourage high school pianists to even greater accomplishments in music.” The piano and violin were her favorite instruments, and music was her strongest passion.

During her more than 30 years in Houston, Wanda built many cherished friendships. In 2020, health concerns led her to move to MacKenzie Place in Fort Collins, Colorado, to be near her daughter. There, she made wonderful friends with her outgoing personality, wit, and sense of style. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters, Katherine and Lindsey, who loved her dearly. They will always remember their times together, including family girls’ trips spanning 3 generations.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Dr Fred W. Pauling, and her son Fred W. Pauling, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Stevens; her son-in-law, Eric Stevens; and her two granddaughters, Katherine and Lindsey Stevens.

Her family would like to thank the staff at MacKenzie Place and Home Instead for their loving friendship and care over the past few years.

A Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025 at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, located at 13102 N Freeway, Houston, TX 77060. A Committal Service will be held at 9:30 a.m. at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, located at 13102 N Freeway, Houston, TX 77060.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Northwoods Presbyterian Church, located at 3320 Cypress Creek Parkway in Houston, Texas. A Celebration of Life event will be held at MacKenzie Place at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Pearl Fincher Museum or Northwoods Presbyterian Church would be greatly appreciated.