Wanda Mullendore Matheson

Wanda Mullendore Matheson, age 95, died unexpectedly but peacefully at her home in Kings Point, Sun City Center, Florida, on January 17, 2024. Born on March 11, 1928, she was just a few weeks shy of her 96th birthday and full of life to the very end.

Life took her on many roads with detours, journeys, and adventures. Whether working as a dental assistant or later for a heart doctor, being a caregiver (who better than her), hanging out with monkeys in Costa Rica, vacationing in the Smokies or cruising the ocean, Wanda had fun, gave it her all, and brightened every place she happened to be.

Wanda was a giver – making and sharing Bourbon Balls at Christmas (always a big hit and well received!), taking cold sodas on a hot day to outside yard workers and garbage collectors, or if someone happened to comment about some item in her house she would want to send it home with them. She constantly gave and shared her sweet spirit, happy smiles, and never-ending love with family, friends, and strangers.

The last nine years of her life was spent in the community of Kings Point, Sun City Center, Florida, which she loved dearly. The friends she made there became her second family. They enjoyed many nights at Karaoke and Rock’n Rendezvous, plenty of birthday parties, holiday gatherings and lots of dancing - she did a great jitterbug. For her 90th birthday her entire family and all of her Kings Point Family gathered for a surprise party that was truly unforgettable!

When she was not out living it up, Wanda enjoyed painting landscapes and flowers, reading, playing a mean game of Scrabble (she was great with unknown 3 letter words), but most of all, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Most knew not to call during that sacred time. She would offer a polite but gentle reminder to family if they called, "Honey, my show is coming on.”

Wanda was a much-loved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to many. She is survived by her children Leda Mullendore (Paul Van Vliet), Apollo Beach, FL; Dana Cobb (Erin) Vail, AZ; Cindy Cobb Peters, Knoxville, TN; grandchildren William “BJ" Cobb (Sara) and Heather Cobb; great grandchildren Bailey Cobb, Alex Cobb, Cheyanne Martin, and Cody Cox Cobb; and nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her dear life-long friend Jane Wallace, close friends Larry and Donna Clyburn, and special friends Bill and Joyce Minto who were consistently there for her, as well as countless others that she dearly loved in her Kings Point Family. Grand dog Hannah will miss giving her wet kisses, tail wags, and loving looks.

In keeping with her wishes, she will be cremated and laid to rest with her second husband, William “Bill” Mullendore, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

There will be two Celebrations of Life, the first at Kings Point, Sun City Center, Florida. Details are below:

Date: Saturday, February 3rd

Time: 1pm to 3pm

Location: Kings Point South Clubhouse (in the upstairs loft area)

1224 Newpoint Loop

Sun City Center, FL 33573

Gate Entry: For anyone that does not live in Kings Point, please tell the gate that you are going to Wanda Matheson’s Celebration of Life. They will probably need her address, which is 909 Holford Court.

The second Celebration of Life will be in Knoxville, Tennessee in the spring and will be announced once the details are solidified.

If you would like to honor Wanda, please consider donating to the Salvation Army. When she was little they helped her family and provided her with a doll. She spoke of that memory often, and she always donated to EVERY Salvation Army bell ringer that she saw at Christmas time.

“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories”.

What a lovely trail she left.