Wanda "Mimi" Jean Kersey

Wanda Jean (Turnpaugh) Kersey was born outside of Corbett, Oklahoma on July 5, 1928 and passed through death into life on August 24, 2021. She was the oldest of seven children born to Cecil and Tura Turnpaugh. Wanda attended Red Hill Elementary and Wanette High School. Although she did not realize it, Wanda met the love of her life on the first day of high school; however, she and Kenneth Kersey did not begin dating until 1947 when they both were working at the Lexington Annex of Central State Hospital. They were married on April 12, 1948. After Kenneth was discharged from the Army in 1953, the couple made their home in Oklahoma City where they welcomed two daughters, Yvonne in 1954 and Vickie in 1958. In August 1965, they relocated to Noble where Wanda continued to reside for 55 years. Wanda’s heart and family expanded with the birth of granddaughter Kendra and great grandsons Jackson and Lucas. She counted these as her greatest blessings.

Wanda was initially a mother & homemaker but as her girls became independent she began a career with Noble Public Schools, retiring as Director of Nutrition. She also worked alongside Kenneth at their small cattle ranch outside of Wanette. After retirement, Wanda & Kenneth travelled, enjoying many trips with their friends Jesse & Ruth Malicoat and Gerald & Mary Kersey.

Wanda enjoyed sewing, taking numerous classes at Vo-Tech taught by her friend Mary Kersey. She and her friend Ruth Malicoat spent countless Saturday nights browsing fabric and pattern books at Hancocks, ending the evening with coffee at Dunkin Donuts. She took several cake decorating classes and enjoyed baking cakes for special occasions for her family. In her later years, Wanda was a big Thunder fan, often watching games while comparing notes on the phone with her sister Joan.

Wanda is preceded in death by husband Kenneth, parents Cecil & Tura Turnpaugh, sister Ruth Jones, brothers Scotty & Paul Turnpaugh and friends Jesse & Ruth Malicoat and Gerald & Mary Kersey. She is survived by daughters Yvonne Kersey, Vickie Kersey & husband Bill Clay, granddaughter Kendra & husband John McCurley, and great grandsons Jackson Toy McCurley, 11 and Lucas William McCurley, 5, all of Norman. Survivors also include sisters Joan Lambdin and Kaye & Richard Cryer of Norman and brother Jimmie & Patsy Turnpaugh of Lindsay. Wanda leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins all of whom she loved very much.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 29th, 6-8 PM at Primrose Funeral Home with services Monday, August 30th at 10:00 AM at the Primrose Chapel. Burial will be at Lexington Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.primrosefuneralservice.com for the Kersey family.