Wanda Lee Walker

Funeral services for Wanda Lee Walker will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the First Assembly of God Church in Okemah. Interment will follow at the Okfuskee Cemetery. Wanda Lee (Thomas) Walker was born July 4, 1928 in Okfuskee, Oklahoma to Vernie Marshall Thomas and Lena Mae (Davenport) Thomas, the second of ten children. She passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at her home in Okfuskee, Oklahoma at the age of 94. Wanda was a lifelong resident of Okfuskee, Oklahoma. She lived her entire life less than a mile from the homeplace where she was born. She married the handsome neighbor boy, Travis Carl Walker, on September 24, 1945 in Okemah. Together they had five children: Darrell Gene, Gallen Carl, Roger Keith, Theresa Travelene and Rhonda Sue. Wanda was a loving homemaker and devoted wife. She worked alongside her husband and most times with the children on the farm. She was no stranger to a tractor or brush hog, and mowed her own yard until at least age 91. She was a talented gardener, whether it be vegetables, fruits or her roses. She did her own canning and preserves, made her own butter and cottage cheese for much of her married life. She also worked as a seamstress at the Wrangler Plant in Okemah for over 20 years. Wanda was called by many names: Mama, Grandma Walker, Grandma Sugars, Sis and Aunt Sis. But most importantly, she was called a Christian. Wanda was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, church and community. Her Christian faith was an essential part of her life. She spent a great deal of time studying God’s word and teaching Sunday school classes at both Haydonville Assembly of God and Okemah First Assembly of God. After Travis died in 2001, she relied on her deep Christian faith to exemplify strength and positivity. Wanda’s unwavering faith in her Heavenly Father, is the foundation upon which she built her life. Peace and caring permeated her. She lived a servant’s life and modeled a servant’s heart. She loved on people with hugs and kisses and smiles. She laughed and cried and supported and encouraged and prayed for all of us. She truly loved the way Christ loves. And for some, she was the closest example of Christ’s unconditional love for us all. Wanda was known for her abounding hospitality. She was the first to arrive when help was needed, usually with a hug and a covered dish. She never knew a stranger in her home and always made everyone feel welcomed. She is well known throughout the family and community for cooking large noon-time meals for her three “boys” and any other family or farmhands who stopped by. She had a hot meal ready every day well up into her 90’s. You never left Wanda’s home feeling unloved or hungry. Her family will miss her big presence in their lives but rejoices knowing she is in peace and resting as the good and faithful servant she was. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband Travis; one daughter, Theresa Travelene Fish; four brothers, Lester Thomas, Charles Thomas, John Thomas and Velvin “Pod” Thomas; four sisters, Dorothy Fay Thomas, Melva Crawford, Iva Walker and Neta Bell Lewis and one great-grandson, Jalen Scott. She is survived by three sons, Darrell and Delores Walker, Gallen and Carol Walker and Roger and Sharon Walker, all of Okfuskee; one daughter, Rhonda Walker of Okfuskee; one brother, Vernie Thomas of Okfuskee; 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and15 great-great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons, Chad Walker, Todd Walker, Bryan Walker, Carl Walker, Keith Walker, Dave Walker, Risky Long and Jim Parish. Honorary bearers include Glen Thompson, James Wade, Buzz Henson, Jim Hall, Bob Gormly and Lloyd Gaskill. Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home and officiated by her nephew Rev. Mike Lewis.

Wanda Lee Walker

July 4, 1928 - January 10, 2023