Wanda Faye Roddy

Our hearts are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Wanda Faye Powers Roddy, born February 10, 1941, to Lewis Brown Powers and Byrdie Clotel Simmons. After living a full and wonderful life, Wanda passed away on May 9, 2025, at the age of 84. Born in Dallas, Texas, she married the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, Robert Clayton Roddy, Sr., and for 62+ years, she lovingly called him her "boyfriend" and always considered him her best friend. Often seen holding hands, they shared a sweet love for their family and each other, a beautiful testimony to their true love.

Over the years, Wanda and their four children followed Bob's successful career with J. C. Penney Company. Beginning in Dallas, the family followed Bob to Minnesota, California, Oregon, Georgia, and Kansas. They eventually landed back in Dallas, where they enjoyed retirement for over 20 years. Wanda’s hobbies included closely following the lives of those she loved most, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was famously known on social media as Mema1941, and she touched the lives of close friends and family by leaving funny comments and placing a heart, her stamp of approval, on every post made. This brought her immense joy, especially in her later years, as she believed it was a way to share in her loved ones’ lives, even if she was apart from them. She also loved acknowledging holidays and the birthdays and anniversaries of her children and their families by sending texts and cards to all, and would also send text reminders to the entire family for birthdays, encouraging all to "do your sweet thang", meaning sending some text love. She loved watching Hallmark love stories and was always cuddled under a blanket, enjoying chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream with a loved one nearby. Wanda was a big collector of all things Department 56, Snowbabies, coffee mugs, magnets, and family pictures. She was also an avid gardener, and she lovingly created peaceful areas that brought beauty and birds. She loved flowers, bubbling water fountains, and the sound of wind chimes, and she took great pride in the beautiful gardens she created.

Known as "Momma" and "Mema" to her family, she had legendary funny faces, silly dances, and witty commentary. Her FaceTime antics and ability to find humor in life were a joy to witness. She always left loving notes (including "I love you best" and "I love you more”) that were tender and sweet, letting everyone know they were important and loved. Wanda had a tremendous soft spot for all her beloved dogs, who brought her great comfort throughout life. She believed faithfully in "The Rainbow Bridge" and knew they would be a part of her forever. She loved a warm family meal and passed along many recipes, including her favorites such as Texas sheet cake and homemade vanilla ice cream. Wanda’s true focus and passion were her family, and sharing more time with them was always on her mind. Her legacy will always be her unconditional love and never-ending effort at creating and maintaining a strong family bond and connection. She will be greatly missed, but she leaves a note on her family's heart that will stay forever: “I love you more”.

Wanda, Momma, Mema will be lovingly remembered by her four children: Debbie (Brent) Wise, Carrie (Scott) Bodin, Millie Weston, Bobby (Teri) Roddy; her nine grandchildren Roddy Bodin, Matthew (Andi) Wise, Callie (Tony) Apollo, Dustin (Stephanie) Wise, Max (Ashley) Weston, Zack Roddy, Megan (Blake) Rosholt, Mitch (Abby) Wise and Mick Weston and her pride and joy her twelve great grandchildren, Mac (7), Sidonie (6), Jackson (5), Gentry (5), Asher (5), Milana (4), Bodil (4), Winifred (2), Vivian (2), August (2), Cooper (1), and Byrdie (8 mos.) along with many cherished extended family and friends.