Wanda Neathery

Wanda Neathery peacefully passed away at the age of 85 on February 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, loyalty, generosity, and just the right amount of sparkle. She was the steady hand and voice of reason that balanced her husband David’s adventurous spirit, the gracious host who transformed every house into a welcoming home, and the quiet yet unwavering strength behind the lives she touched.

Her presence wasn’t loud, but it was powerful—calm, methodical, and impossible to ruffle unless something as outrageous as camping was suggested. For Wanda, “roughing it” meant a stay at the Holiday Inn, but she preferred casinos—or, as she called them “casinas” She made no apologies for her love of comfort and often joked that had she lived in the 1800s, she would have been a saloon girl, as traveling across mountains in a covered wagon was "for the birds." Had she written a book on packing & travel strategies for maximum comfort, it would have been a bestseller.

Wanda’s life was rich with deep connections. As an only child, raised by her mother in South Dallas, she spent summers in West Texas at her grandmother’s house where she and her cousin T-Nina were doted on and adored by their grandparents, aunts, and uncles. The friendships she formed in childhood, including those with Delores Fairchild, Gerry Sue Brown, and Mary Neathery, lasted a lifetime. It was through Mary that Wanda met David, her husband and companion for 57 years. Somehow, this spirited young man convinced the ever-popular cheerleader and prom queen to go out with him, and soon thereafter Mary and Wanda became sisters-in-law. The trio of sisters was complete when David and Mary’s brother Raymond married Kay. Wanda and David had two children, Dorcas and Davey, and made great efforts to ensure their children knew their aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

A natural hostess, Wanda made everyone feel at home. Whether she was hosting a house full of family and friends, making her legendary “Wandoritos” at 2 a.m. for her kids and their friends, or offering a listening ear with a dose of sound or no-nonsense advice, she created a sense of warmth wherever she went. Her gatherings were filled with laughter, great food, and traditions that strengthened the bonds of family and friendship. If you were lucky enough to attend neighborhood parties on Parkside Drive, experience nights of pickin’ and grinnin’, spend summers swimming and skiing on Cross Lake, or play in the surf and sand at The Brainstopper, their beach house in Ft. Morgan, Alabama, you hold cherished memories of Wanda’s generosity.

She had a deep appreciation for beautiful things, as was evident in her insatiable love of shopping. She never missed a 70% off sale at Dillard’s, always adorned herself in bling, and was rarely seen without perfectly manicured bright pink nails. A self-taught masterful hairdresser, her kitchen (or anyone else’s) often served as a makeshift salon, where friends and family enjoyed having their hair rolled, permed, cut, frosted, or coiffed. Despite her restrained demeanor, she had a sharp wit and playful side. Shortly after David purchased a Hummer for himself, she appeared wearing a “gaudy” diamond ring, declaring she had bought her own “hummer”. It was months before she let him in on the joke—it was a cubic zirconia ring she bought at TJ Maxx on sale for $12.99.

Though David’s businesses flourished under his leadership, they would not have thrived without Wanda’s unwavering support. She single-handedly raised their children while he worked tirelessly. After her children reached adulthood, Wanda pursued her own career, earning a BA and certification in counseling. She spent 15 years at Charter Forest Hospital, leading family groups and working with patients struggling with addiction.There, she found another sisterhood in her PALS group who met for dinner every month for 15 years without fail.

Mornings playing Words With Friends on her iPad, games of Boggle at The Brainstopper with her sisters-in-law, or Uno with her grandchildren brought her immense joy. She also enjoyed exceptionally close friendships with her neighbors Dee Palmer, Joann Huber, Ruthie Ruelle, and Bernadine Hyde. But of all the roles she played, none brought her greater happiness than being Mimi. Her grandchildren were the absolute light of her life, her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Beyond her family and friends, Wanda had a passion for Ft. Morgan, Alabama, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. She loved crawfish, sweet tea, white zinfandel, Michael McDonald, Bob Wills & his Texas Playboys, B.B. King, and the Tyler roses that David often brought her.Her faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, she served as an Altar Guild member and found joy in weekly Zoom Bible studies started by family friend Debby High during Covid, connecting friends and family across Texas and Georgia.Her love, wisdom, and legacy live on in the traditions she created, the friendships she nurtured, and the family she cherished. She taught valuable life lessons, like most things can be fixed with duct tape or WD-40, it’s always a good time to eat, never settle for camping when a perfectly good “casina” is an option, a BC Powder and a real Coke will cure any pain, and of course, the more bling, the better!

Through all of life’s joys and heartbreaks, Wanda’s grace and strength never wavered. Even after losing David in 2018, she carried herself with resilience, humor, and love—qualities that defined her best. Today, we honor Wanda, Wanda Joyce, Joy, Mom, Aunt Wanda, Miss Wanda, Schnitzel, Mimi—a woman who made the world a brighter, more beautiful place simply by being in it. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with David and the many family and friends who went before her.

She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her sweet tea, her red beans, cornbread and fried potatoes, and her memory: Daughter, Dorcas Neathery and partner Jim Hicks, Son, Davey Neathery, Grandchildren: Alexandra Ellis, Jordan Ellis (wife Claire), Harry Hermes IV (girlfriend Mary Hooper), Hayden Hermes, a Great-grandson JJ Ellis, and a host of family and friends who loved her dearly.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the special people who provided love and support in Wanda’s final years. Her loyal sidekick and dear friend, Schvonne Pipkins, the staff and residents of Redbrook at The Glen, Willis Knighton Hospice, and the caregivers at Always Best Care Senior Services.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wanda’s honor to two organizations she deeply supported: Providence House Shreveport or Shriners Children’s Shreveport.