Wanda Brandon Wilkins

Wanda Eloise Brandon Wilkins passed away on Wednesday, November 26th ten days shy of her 98th birthday. She was born December 6, 1927 in Quanah, Texas, the first-born child of Orval and Ottis Brandon. She had two siblings, Ralph Brandon and Martha Jane Brandon Smith. Wanda married the love of her life, E. A. (Andy) Wilkins on July 28, 1947. Together they had two children, Michael David Wilkins and Diane Wilkins Harlan, and built a beautiful life together.

Wanda was remarkably intelligent and hard-working from an early age. After graduating from Quanah High School in 1945 she left home to attend Draughan’s Business College in Lubbock. This education foundation prepared her to return to Quanah to work as secretary for the Superintendent of schools. Wanda was a member of what is often referred to as the greatest generation. Her husband fought gallantly in World War II and returned to marry his hometown sweetheart and together they raised two children in a happy home. E.A. and Wanda lived in Quanah, Las Vegas, NM, Vernon, Hale Center and Lamesa, TX. In Lamesa, they owned and operated Andy’s Supermarket from 1962 to 1981. In the mid-80s Wanda began working as the church secretary at the Lamesa Church of Christ until 2007 at 80 years of age.

Wanda’s life was marked by her strong faith, deep devotion to her family and for being a steadfast friend. She was an excellent cook and used the talent to cover her family and friends in love. She also planned and prepared countless meals for families at Lamesa Church of Christ. Wanda’s dedication to the church was far-reaching. In the latter years of working as the church secretary, she converted the paper records and operations to the computer, while she was in her 70s.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane Wilkins Harlan of Lubbock and five grandchildren, Natalie Wilkins of Ft. Worth, Candice Wilkins Ransbarger (Russell) of Aledo, Brandon Wilkins of Tulsa, OK, Andrew Wilkins (Christina) of San Diego, CA and Matthew Harlan (Ashley) of Lubbock. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law and her husband, Brenda and Dr. John Pender. She has one surviving cousin, Donna Cannon, of Midland. She also has three great grandchildren, Nora Wilkins, Ford Ransbarger and John Ransbarger.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, E. A. (Andy) Wilkins in 1993, her son, Michael David Wilkins in 2021 and her son-in-law, Mark Harlan in 2024. Her parents, all of her siblings and Andy’s siblings also predeceased her.

Visitation will be at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers on Tuesday, December 2, from 5 to 7pm. A Celebration of Life service will be at Lamesa Church of Christ at 11am on Wednesday, December 3. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in Lubbock at 10am on Thursday.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Primrose Assisted Living and Memory Care and the precious staff of Bristol Hospice for her wonderful care in her last years.

Memorials can be made to Lamesa Church of Christ, Lubbock Meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice.