Wanda Grace Bates

Wanda Grace (Foreman) Bates, (Granny) 86, of Austin, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, adventure, and unwavering love for her family. Born on October 15, 1937, in Lockhart, Texas, to George and Leora (Ethel) Foreman, and raised in Austin alongside her three younger siblings, where she built lifelong friendships and values that would carry her through every chapter of life. A proud graduate of A.N. McCallum High School in 1956, Wanda wasted no time pursuing her dreams.

Shortly after high school, Wanda married her high school sweetheart and began a family, raising three spirited children: John Samuel Higginbotham, Jr., Dennis James Higginbotham, and Lisa Lynne Higginbotham Carter. Amid the whirlwind of motherhood, Wanda continued her education, earning certifications from Durham Business College and A & C College of Beauty to become a licensed cosmetologist.

Never one to shy away from new opportunities, Wanda opened “The Fountain of Beauty Salon” in Austin, where she flourished as a business owner and hair dresser. During this time, she married Frank L. Bates, a union that sparked a deep love for exploring new experiences together. Their family expanded with the arrival of one more energetic son, Daniel Lee Bates. Wanda cherished these years of balancing her career, family, and passions, but her journey took an unexpected turn with Frank’s passing.

Wanda’s indomitable spirit carried her forward after selling her business and transitioning into the insurance industry. She thrived as an Agency Office Administrator with The Principal Financial Group and managed office staff and supported agents while earning her Group I Life Insurance License. Her leadership and hard work earned her numerous accolades, including being named Woman of the Year by the Austin chapter of American Business Women’s Association, a testament to her dedication and strength. She embraced her faith again in 1982 and was baptized with her son Daniel.

Wanda found love again and remarried Norman Hooton. Their relationship was filled with shared passions for sports, travel, and spending quality time with their beloved grandchildren. With Norman by her side, Wanda retired and embraced this new chapter of life but she never truly slowed down. But when she did, you might find her on a Texas beach reading a mystery novel or on the tranquil beaches of Maui, journaling while listening to the waves, collecting shells and searching for sea glass. Her life was filled with the love of her family, the joy of new experiences, and the enduring friendships she cultivated along the way.

In her final chapter, Wanda, known as Granny to them all, leaves behind a family who adored her: her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever remember her

as the fearless, loving matriarch who lived life to its fullest. Whether through her laughter, her wisdom, or her passionate spirit. Wanda's presence will be felt in the hearts of all who knew her.

Wanda's vibrant energy and zest for life continue to inspire those she leaves behind. In her memory, may we all live a little bolder, love a little deeper, and cherish every moment.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Frank L. Bates (1975) and Norman E. Hooton (2024), her brother George R. Foreman, sister Patricia Ann Creswell and granddaughter Jennifer Lynn (Higginbotham) Volkl.

Wanda is survived by her, sister Georgia D. Johnson (Randy), son John Samuel Higginbotham (Pam), son Dennis James Higginbotham (Cindy), daughter Lisa Lynne Carter (Brian), son Daniel Lee Bates (Lynn), step-children Lori Hooton Toungate (Jay), Lance Hooton (Kimberly), her 11 Grandchildren Erin Annice (Marwan), Melissa Anne, Adam Lee (Adrian), John Benjamin (Lu), Brooke Nicole (Gilbert), Alec Shane (Kendyl), Brett Allman, Cody Daniel, Joshua Lloyd, Danny Lee, Ryan Lee. 6 Step Grandchildren Lane James, Lauren Lynette, Aaron Hooton, Brooklyn Hooton, Laila Kaluau, Kyle Kaluau; 15 Great Grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Wanda’s Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas. Visitation with the family is from 1:00 to 1:45. Memorial Service is from 2:00 – 3:00.