Wanda Lee Tharp

Wanda Lee Hanks Tharp was born in Memphis, Tennessee on June 10, 1940, and passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. She absolutely loved her Daddy and Mama, Russell Lee Hanks and Josie Lorrainne Byrd Hanks. Wanda adored her big brother and only sibling, Joe Hanks. She grew up in the country north of Memphis just inside Tipton County. A voracious reader since childhood, Wanda devoured books and asked for books instead of toys at Christmas. As an adult it was not unusual for her to read a book a day including the mysteries she loved so much.

Wanda was a proud and loving Mama to her three children, Lee (Tim) Christie (Atlanta, GA), Will (Leah) Tharp II (Dallas, TX) and Lori (Dana) Priebe (Seattle, WA). She was married to Bill Tharp for 20 years who was a loving Dad to all.

One of her greatest joys was being “Mudder” to her much-loved grandchildren, Robert Tharp, Josie Tharp and Kay-Lee Rose Tharp, Will and Leah’s children.

She also loved her nephews John Hanks, Jim Hanks, Jody (Lori) Hanks and her late nephew, Russ Hanks.

As working mother, she set a strong example for her children throughout her life and career. Although Wanda had jobs outside of education, her first love and longest career was as a teacher. She began as an elementary school teacher in Tennessee. Later she taught software programs to adult women reentering the workforce in California. When she moved to Texas she finished her career as a middle school teacher.

Through the years Wanda helped a lot of troubled students, especially the adult ones, including giving out her number in case they wanted to talk and inviting them over to use the house as a safe space. She became a lifetime friend to both kids she taught in elementary school and her adult students. Wanda was a gifted teacher and exceedingly proud that one of her earliest and very favorite students told Mama years later that she became a teacher because of her.

A graduate of Millington Central High School, Wanda earned her bachelor's degree at Memphis State University (MSU). Years later she returned to MSU and earned a Master of Education then a Doctorate in Education, an achievement that meant a great deal to her. She loved being called Dr. Tharp by her students and colleagues.

In addition to her family, the other loves of her life were her pets. While she started life as a cat lover, in the eighties she fell in love with Will’s Boston Terrier, Diamond, so much so that Will let Mama keep Diamond when he left for college. After Diamond, she adopted Yorkies Jaws, Ariel and Cher who she treasured. She was heartbroken at the loss of her last beloved Yorkie, Sunday, but basked in the affection of Will and Leah’s Great Danes, Baldur, Luna, Minerva and Falkor.

Shy as a child, Wanda became extremely outgoing as an adult and enjoyed talking to anybody and everybody. She often had a compliment for people she met, including complete strangers. Wanda couldn’t walk down the hall at her assisted living home or nursing home without speaking to, smiling at, waving or patting the arm of everyone she passed. She laughed easily and often and had a knack for making friends. Of all the deep and meaningful friendships throughout her life, Miss Betty, her roommate at the nursing home, was a blessing from God.

Always a stylish dresser, Wanda had so much fun picking out her outfits. For decades she planned her clothes and jewelry for the week ahead. Family and friends admired her bright, colorful outfits and perfectly coordinated jewelry and accessories. Favorite ensembles were purple, patriotic red, white and blue, royal blue, and animal print. If it didn’t have stars, glitter, embroidery or other shiny embellishments, you wouldn’t find it in her closet. The bigger and more sparkly the jewelry the better. Her beautiful hands were always manicured, and it had better be with purple, red or blue glitter polish.

Wanda used her creative and artistic abilities in many ways including playing the piano, crocheting, sewing and cross-stitching. In her early teaching career, she designed fun seasonal three-dimensional bulletin boards for her elementary school students. She also created cherished scrapbooks including a Hanks Family heritage album and wedding scrapbooks for each of her children. Another favorite pastime was watching game shows, especially “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!”.

One of Lee’s favorite memories is of Mama the night owl setting her alarm for well before 6:00 a.m. so she could be the first one call and sing Happy Birthday to her.

Will’s memory dates back to childhood. Whenever he was sick or injured, Mama was the most awesome caregiver he ever had. When he had to go to the doctor, he always hoped Mama would take him. Dad would always offer up some war story that, at best, didn’t help. With Mama he had seven years of allergy shots, broken limbs, the flu, acne, glasses, etc. Even in her last days she cared about how he was feeling and how he was doing.

Lori remembers growing up that Dad and Mama had a little literature war going on. Dad wanted her to like fantasy and science fiction, and Mama wanted her to love mysteries. They used to go to the library or the used bookstores and load her up on the worlds they wanted her to enjoy. Mama got the last laugh because Lori started seeking out mysteries, both in science fiction, fantasy, and modern day.

Wanda grew up in the Methodist Church and was greatly comforted by The Lord’s Prayer. A Celebration of Life is planned for later this year. Donations in memory of Wanda may be made to White Kisses Great Dane Rescue in Lubbock, TX at https://www.whitekissesgreatdanerescue.com/donate, to your favorite dog or cat rescue organization, or another charity of your choice.