Wanda Joi Shanklin

Wanda was a lifelong learner who placed great value on education and personal growth. She pursued higher education at The Ohio State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University. She later obtained a Master of Education degree from Grand Canyon University and completed all doctoral coursework toward an EdD at Grand Canyon University, achieving ABD (All But Dissertation) status. In recognition of her academic excellence and commitment to education, she was a member of the International Honor Society in Education.

Wanda dedicated more than 26 years of public service to the State of Ohio, building a distinguished career within the Department of Developmental Disabilities. Her roles included Case Manager, Health Facilities Standards Representative, Rehabilitation Program Specialist, and Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Manager. Throughout her career, she was respected for her integrity, attention to detail, and steadfast advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities. She retired after more than two and a half decades of service, leaving a lasting impact on the programs, providers, and professionals she supported.

Following her retirement, Wanda continued to serve others through education and community involvement. She worked as a long-term substitute teacher and instructional professional, providing stability, care, and guidance to students. She also served in academic supervision roles, mentoring and evaluating future educators in alignment with Department of Education standards. Wanda additionally gave many years of dedicated volunteer service to the Franklin County Board of Elections, where she served as both a roster judge and paper ballot judge. In addition, she volunteered with a local furniture bank, helping individuals and families transition from difficult circumstances by providing essential furniture and household goods to support safe and dignified homes.

Wanda was a strong woman of Christian faith whose life was guided by compassion, service, and quiet strength. Her wisdom, wit, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Wanda is survived by her children, Shellie Shanklin and Michael (Bridgette) DeCastro; her sister, Drema (Craig) Kirkling; her grandchildren, Ava and Sophia DeCastro; her nieces, Maya and MiKayla Kirkling and Chaleese Shanklin; her nephew, Dwight E. Shanklin, Jr.; her beloved puppy, Maya; and a host of cherished family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Mary R. Gore-Shanklin and Early Shanklin; her brother, Dr. Dwight E. Shanklin, Sr.; and her sister, Earlene Shanklin.

In accordance with Wanda’s wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held. The family encourages those who wish to honor her memory to do so through acts of kindness, service to others, prayer, or quiet reflection.