Wanda Juanita Thomas

On July 29, 1965, Wanda Juanita Tucker was born. She was second child of Sandra C. and Lonnie R. Tucker, Jr., in St. Louis, Missouri. The family moved to California in 1969 where she spent her carefree childhood years. Even though she was always trying to follow her big sister around, Wanda was an obedient child. During the family’s time in California, God blessed her mom and dad with her baby brother, “Bear”. He was the light of Wanda’s life. Wanda and the family attended West Angeles Church, under Bishop Charles E. Blake where she was active in the youth choir and youth group.

After she finished her junior year, the family moved to Oklahoma. Wanda graduated from Del City High School. She excelled in her studies and held a 4.0 GPA. During this time she was offered the opportunity to serve as an International Exchange student to Japan. She later attended Oklahoma Christian University. After college she worked for Millwood School District where she taught school for several years.

People gravitated to Wanda. She was a very social person who loved to entertain. Her many passions included singing and interior design. Her love of pretty things, led her to serve as the Fashion Fair Beauty Consultant for Dillard’s Cosmetic Department.

Wanda was married to Ralph Owen Thomas for 19 years. She lovingly accepted Ralph’s daughter, Monique, as her own. God blessed their union with two beautiful children: Johnathan, and Rachel. Wanda joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She faithfully served as the First Lady of Mt. Triumph A.M.E. Church (Spencer, OK), Salters Chapel A.M.E. Church (Langston, OK) and First A.M.E. Church (Oklahoma City, OK). She was a member of the Missionary Society and the Ministers Spouses Organization. She had an awesome love for the Lord and developed a special relationship with the members and loved them greatly. Wanda was affectionately known as the “Hat Lady”. Looking her very best at all times, as well as her gentle and kind spirit were her trademarks.

On March 15, 2012, two days before her parent’s 48th anniversary, her Lord called her home. Preceding her in death was maternal grandmother: Wanda Juanita Zeno, paternal grandparents: Mary and Lonnie R. Tucker, Aunt Sharon Harris, Uncle Jerry Bradshaw, as well as, her Aunt Myrtle Jefferies.

She is remembered by her children Monique Dion, Johnathan Fitzgerald, and Rachel Johanna Thomas. She also leaves to cherish her memory, her mother and father Sandra C. and Lonnie R. Tucker Jr.; her sister Patrice Tucker, her brother Lonnie R Tucker III (Rebecca) and their daughter Jillian, all from Oklahoma City, OK, as well as her grandfather Mr. L.C. Harris; God-mother Inetta Fortier, God-sister Desiree’ J. Anderson; Aunts Phyllis Frazier and Regina Harris; Uncles L. C. Travis, Marcel, Michael, and Brian Harris, all from St. Louis, MO., and a host of other family and friends. To grieve her also, is her fiancé, Darryl Paulson of Oklahoma City, OK.