Wanda Fay Massey

Wanda was born in Golden, TX on March 5, 1938, to Jimmie and Mildred Smith. While in elementary school the family moved to the Fair Park East Dallas area. They eventually settled into a new housing development in Grand Prairie, TX, like what you would see in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. She then graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1956. Her teen years were filled with music and watching Dick Clark’s weekly count down with her sister Cassie and cousins. In her early years Jimmie gifted her a used Red & White Chevy, that the same crew used to attend dances at the Big D Jamboree on Saturdays at the Dallas Sportatorium. Being the 1950’s, of course she was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and his music. She was fortunate enough to get Elvis’ autograph; not just once but twice. She always enjoyed going back to East Texas to visit her Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. In 1964 she married Farrell Massey and instantly became stepmother of Farrell Jr, Joe David, Clifford and Debbie. They resided in Houston until their divorce in the early 1970’s. After the divorce Wanda returned to the DFW area where she operated her own house cleaning business for several years during the 80’s and eventually became a Wal Mart Associate in Carrollton, TX. Around 1993 she was diagnosed with AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) of the spinal cord which resulted in her becoming paraplegic. This setback never caused her to stop living her life like spending time with her grandchildren, doing crafts, going out to eat along with long conversations and laughter. The Lord and her family were the greatest loves of her life, and she took joy in hearing how you and everyone else were doing (especially the grandchildren). Even though she faced many challenges her faith in God never wavered. She was always willing to serve in the ministry, singing hymns, praying or giving her testimony to anyone she came in contact with. We are positively certain she didn’t simply walk through the Pearly Gates; rather she skipped while Rejoicing in The Lord.

Wanda is preceded in death by her parents Jimmie and Mildred Smith, sister Cassie King Birket, niece Tammy King and grandson Adrian Massey.

Wanda is survived by her son, James Massey, Fort Worth, TX, daughter Jackie Christian and spouse Butch, Willis, OK, daughter Janell Dorn and spouse Paul, Carrollton, TX, grandchildren Roger Massey and fiancé Jenna Hernandez, Austin, TX, John Massey, Chicago, IL, Katelynn Cole and spouse Tyler, Birmingham, AL, Madeline Christian, Lindale, TX, Holly Conrad and spouse Joseph, Dallas, TX, Cody Dorn, Carrollton, TX, great grandchildren Ada Conrad, Dallas, TX and Baby Girl Massey coming in April 2026, niece Misty Birket Lewisville, TX along with nephews Vincent and Tony King.

A memorial service will be held on November 29, 2025, at 11:00am in the chapel at Freedom Church in Carrollton, TX.

2435 E. Hebron Parkway

Carrollton, TX 75010