We were brand new to the small, tight-knit community of Beulah Texas, snuggled between different Diboll and remote Lufkin.  And everything was strange and new.  And I was, for one, very tired of moving.  We  had moved at least every six years with my husband’s wildland fire-fighting career.  And the last place we lived, Burley ID, we were almost the only non-Mormons in town. 


But we thought we’d try the quaint little Methodist church around the corner, which was also a state historical site.  It should be safe?  It was a cozy, friendly little church.  And there we met their faithful pianist, Ms. Wanda Strauss, who was eternally warm and inclusive.  But I think I would have happily sat in a hurricane, instead, if I could just listen to her heavenly piano playing.  She had a gift.  


It is often said of folks that they have a gift,  But Ms. Wanda could play the piano as an extension of the hands of her Creator.  And she never really took credit for it either.  She just said that it brought her joy, and she loved it. It brought us joy too, and many others for whom she played, over the years.  And with absolutely no returns but their gratitude. 


Somehow, with sicknesses and preoccupations and distances, we had missed that she had passed.  We are not kin, and we’re not from around these parts, so forgive us please, if we didn’t know. But perhaps, one night in November of 2020, we looked up toward the Milky Way Galaxy, and heavens stars were dancing more brightly? 


Ms. Wanda made us feel welcome and loved.  And she had a beauty that transcended age and differences. Until we meet again, at Jesus feet.

I thought I would share a funny memory that I have of my Aunt Wanda:)  I have been a pyromaniac for 30+ years now and I was molded from a young age to like them I would say. LOL..  My Aunt Wanda in the 80's through some point in the 90's ALWAYS made sure I had my Texas fireworks here in CA.  I can honestly say I was the happiest kid in the world probably when that box came! OMG It was soooo awesome to get the "good" fireworks here in CA.  Oh man the Black Cat firecrackers, awesome  variety of bottle rockets, spinners to hammer on fence etc....  She NEVER missed a year and that is one of the best memories of my whole life!  I was so happy that my Aunt Wanda ALWAYS remembered and never forgot me :) I also got to go visit before my freshman year in High School. She Took me around to ALL of the neat historic and fun places in Houston.  I also got to eat THE BEST  T-Bone steak from my Uncle Herman, Saw my Cousin Paul in his Houston PD car and got to sit inside and make the lights go on, and got to see my Cousin Paul who has always been so cool with me and make me feel at home.. I got to go on the Farm Uncle Herman & Aunt Wanda had and that was one of the best times of my entire life.  Oh I can't forget I visited with Abe the Black Labrador they had who never used the big dog pillow bed until I laid on it and he came over and nudged me off so he could lay on it for the 1st time..LOL..  Aunt Wanda said he never used it until I laid on it and he immediately came over to get me off...LOL I have a lot more memories as well but those are some funny ones for now.. Also she would always tell me Jesus loves me and that is the way that we should live our lives ..as Christians  and follow God's word.  She also played the piano and organ REALLY good and was a super good golfer.. I will ALWAYS have her in my heart and NEVER EVER forget all the good times we had and how she was such a loving and awesome Aunt.. the best anyone could ever hope for! I'll See you again Aunt Wanda!!) 

I’m sure going to miss your beautiful smiling face and our little talks we had every Friday. I know your happy and pain free now with our lord father. I thank the lord for put us in each other’s path. I will love you always ,  Freida xoxoxo 

Oh what a beautiful lady. She always had the sweetest smile and was such a gifted musician. I loved to listen at her play the piano and enjoyed catching up with her when we visited whether it be at Brookshire’s or other places around town.  Prayers to the family during this time of loss...Now she’s playing the piano for Jesus. 

I have so many wonderful memories of Wanda. When she played the piano at Beulah, and at the Salvation Army Adult Day Center, and other places as well. Years ago I had the pleasure of being a part of a group of folks who went around to nursing homes to sing Hymns, she was a part of that group. She has always greeted me with her beautiful smile no matter what. She always seemed excited to see me.  She would take both of my hands and look me in the eye and talk to me and listen to me talk.  We talked about music and singing mostly but we also talked about life. She was always so positive and so very kind. She was one of my greatest encouragers when I was learning to play the piano. She was an AWESOME WOMAN OF GOD!!! I will miss her... until we meet again. I am so thankful that I was able to visit with her at a local restaurant a month or so ago as we waited for our respective tables.  Such a blessing!!! One more thing, when she hugged you, you knew you had been hugged. It wasn't a formality with her.

I met Mrs. Strauss, Wanda thru the Beulah Methodist Church several years ago, she always met everyone with a smile. She always played the piano at the Church and played it Beautifully.  She never judged people for the way they dressed,  or if they had money or not, she loved everyone the same.  She cared for people from the heart. I never saw her that her hair was always fixed and always had her makeup on, even if she felt bad. She was just the kind of person that you couldn't help but love. She made you feel special, and would tell you if your were having problems, to give it to God, he would always take care of his children. Herman and Wanda were just special people.  She will certainly be missed by many. My Prayers and Sympathy goes to her family in this difficult time, I know they will be lost with her gone, but there is no doubt where she's going. She will be waiting in Heaven for her lived ones, with a smile on her face.

 Visitation

Funeral Service

Herman Strauss

Paul Strauss

John Strauss

Natalie and Emily Strauss

Vernon Burke

Donna Montgomery

She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews


Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, Kathryn (Evans) and Kimbrough Burke; sister, Virginia Hourigan, and brother, Richard Burke.

OBITUARY

Wanda Faye Strauss

December 25, 1938 – November 21, 2020

Gipson Funeral Home & Garden of Memories Memorial Park

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