Wanda Jo Black

Wanda Jo Black, age 91, of College Station, Texas (formerly Pasadena, TX) went to Heaven on New Year’s Day 2026. She was born in Baytown, Texas on August 19, 1934 to Joseph Hiram Choate and Ethel Lina Barrow Choate. Wanda was a Registered Nurse and especially enjoyed her years working Labor and Delivery and Pediatrics. She then became a company nurse at Reed Tool and Simpson Paper. She had a passion for Jesus, her family, gift giving, and her favorite dog, Delilah. She also enjoyed reading, playing piano, laughing (her fav—Tyler Perry’s Madea), the make-up aisle, all children everywhere, hats, her phone, pie night, Whataburger and Lupe Tortilla. She was witty and liked a good “debate”. She especially loved nature--sighting a deer made her day. Near the end, with her eyes closed, she quietly asked, “Where’s the shadiest tree?” She already had a foot in God’s perfect nature.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Norman Glen Choate, her husband of 66 years, Edward Everett Black, Sr., and her beloved son, Edward Everett Black, Jr., whom she longed to see.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Gilts and husband Kip. Granddaughter Chelsea Gilts Ratcliff and husband Collin. Grandson Zachary Joseph Gilts and wife Kendra. Her absolute joys: great-granddaughters Rose Catherine and Eleanor Anne Ratcliff, Olive Parker Gilts and she was so excited about the soon to arrive Jules Joseph Gilts. She is also survived by her sister-in-law and prayer partner, Janice Choate, her cousin and housemate, Randy Gauntt, her close friend of 58 years, Jackie Gonzales, as well as, many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 2:00 with visitation at 1:30 in the chapel at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas 77598 with Rev. Kip Gilts officiating. Interment to follow.

Memorials may be made to St Luke’s United Methodist Church, 2700 W Villa Maria Road, Bryan, Texas 77807. Although she preferred being the gift giver, “Nanny” will live in our hearts forever as a gift from God.