Wanda Marie (Abney) Davis born Sept 9, 1955 in West Plains, MO went on to be with the Lord on October 25, 2020.
She is survived by her loving husband Paul Don Davis of 51 years; her children, Paul Don Davis Jr. (Jay) and wife Saundra, and Faith Marie (Davis) Barton and husband Rob; two beloved grandchildren, Dalton Robert Rakestraw and Jade Marie Rakestraw. She was also doggie Mom to her “Sissy”, the family beagle. Wanda was blessed later in life with four step grandchildren Blake, Dillon, Luke and Grace Barton. Wanda had many other “adopted” children and grandchildren over the years. Everyone was as good as her own in her eyes. She is also survived by her sister Misty Marie (Abney) Houk, her brother-in-law Fred Davis and wife Teena, Tommy Collins and wife Patsy, along with many other nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Mamie Abney, Tressie Abney (stepmother) and her in-laws Elmo and Dorothy Davis and one sister Kathy (Abney) Ladd.
Wanda was actively involved in her church that she loved dearly – Refuge Apostolic Church in Thayer, MO. She was a praise singer, served on the cleaning team and lead the food and care-giving ministry. “Ma Wanda”, as she was lovingly referred to by her church family, loved and was loved by her church “kids and grandkids”.
Wanda spent 40 plus years working in the medical field as a Registered Nurse; from the nursing home to ICU & on to cardiac rehab – enjoying her patients even more than the profession.
Her hobbies included collecting vintage dishes, sewing, quilting, crocheting, pitching horseshoes (which she became a 4-time state doubles champion). She also enjoyed finding unique items and great deals at garage sales and shopping thrift stores.
Wanda was often referred to by many as an “earth angel”. She was known to be a giver and used her hands to minister through her God given talent of sewing and crafting. She had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room and one always felt at ease and comforted by her presence. Anyone who came in contact with her knew they were loved. She always left a situation or person better than she found them.
Over the years, Wanda ministered to others by caring for ailing friends and family members. Her unselfish spirit and gift of love drew people to her throughout her life and was the conduit that allowed her to witness the message of Jesus Christ. Her wish for you today would be that you would know and experience the love of Jesus and share it with everyone you know; leaving every life you touch better than you found it.
Funeral services for Wanda Marie Davis will held on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Pastor Clay Risner officiating.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Burial will be on Sunday, November 1, 2020 in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc, in Thayer, Missouri.
October 27, 2020 @ 10:38 am
Wanda’s memory and kindness will always be in our hearts. We grieve with the family.
October 27, 2020 @ 6:35 pm
Aunt Wanda was a rock for all of us. She was so loving and fun to be around. She will be greatly missed, but we will never forget her and her strength in God. There is one thing that we all know for sure, she has made it. The one thing that she would want for all of us.
We will love you forever and miss you until we meet again.
Love
Daniel and Family
October 27, 2020 @ 8:41 pm
Praying for the family. Kenny, Mellissa, Justin, and Kerrie Wilson
October 28, 2020 @ 11:29 am
Sorry for your loss Paul.
October 28, 2020 @ 11:54 am
My heart is broken. Wanda was the sweetest friend a person could have. Our birthdays were on the same day, she called us Birthday twins.
She was truly a Woman of God.
My heart goes out to the family.
October 28, 2020 @ 1:02 pm
So sorry for you families loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family during this time. It was an honor to have worked with her.
October 29, 2020 @ 1:50 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Remember all the fun times growing up with Wanda as kids. We know she was truly a woman of God and know she is in a much better place now-leaving lots of great memories for the family and friends she leaves behind. The world lost a treasure and heaven gained an angel.
October 29, 2020 @ 7:59 pm
What a blessing Wanda was to all she knew. I always looked forward to working with her. Prayers for comfort for family. God gained the sweetest soul.
October 29, 2020 @ 8:46 pm
So sorry to hear of Wanda passing
October 29, 2020 @ 9:14 pm
Always on the lookout for others, Wanda was always one to offer consoling words, a smile, an encouraging word, share a concern about another, or offer one of those hugs you knew really meant something. Time and again she would hold me by both arms and look deep into my eyes while telling me of someone’s problems and what I could do to make it better. I don’t know if a day when she asked for sympathy for herself. She was a light of kindness and compassion, a truly gracious individual. We are all better for having known her.
October 31, 2020 @ 5:50 pm
I will always miss Wanda she was a wonderful friend helping others in their walk with God. Prayers for Paul Don and the families and friends of those who loved her. May God Bless and Comfort
Love Jerrie and Valmon Holloway.
October 30, 2020 @ 3:05 am
So sorry for your loss I worked with her in the early 80’s at the nursing home she was the most caring loving person I have ever known she was truly an angel on earth!! Heaven gained the most precious angel on October 25th you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
October 30, 2020 @ 3:15 am
she was my cousin by marriage my friend by choice my sister in Christ and my sister in my heart we had a lot of things in common both liked to sew and be creative she was coming to see me before the covd broke out so my husband could smoke her some more ribs she loved the way he smoked them on his smoker.only God knows how much i love her and will miss her [ SHE WAS ONE IN A MILLION] i’m gonna miss you Wanda
November 1, 2020 @ 10:02 am
I am truly sorry for your loss. Wanda was a dear friend and coworker. She truly was an angel on earth, always so giving and caring to all those around her. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul, she will be missed by all that knew her.
November 1, 2020 @ 10:50 am
My life is so much better because I got to share it with you, Ma! I love you so much and will miss you every single day. There’s a huge void in our lives without you here but we will do our best to continue your legacy of loving and sharing and giving – being God’s hands and feet! You were such a Godly lady & we wil forever live by your example. God is our strength and we will live everyday pressing toward heaven to spend eternity with you! Love you forever + one! See you soon! Love – Jo
November 1, 2020 @ 2:29 pm
We are saddened but the lost of Aunt Wanda. Prayers for Paul Don and the family that they will find comfort in knowing she walks the streets of heaven.
November 1, 2020 @ 6:23 pm
I love you grandmother. Life here on Earth will never be the same, but you truly have the treasure now. You mean the world to me and I did to you.
“I shall wear a crown, when it’s all over.”
November 1, 2020 @ 8:25 pm
So sorry to hear about Ms Wanda. She was such a special lady. We loved her. She was always so caring and loving and gave the best hugs. When my husband, Lyle, passed away, she made me a quilt out of his shirts. That is such a treasure. She always had time to listen and you really knew she cared. She will be missed.
November 2, 2020 @ 5:57 am
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Wanda was a beautiful person, inside and out. What a legacy she has left for others to follow. May God be with you in the days ahead and bring you Peace, Understanding, Comfort, and Love.
November 2, 2020 @ 6:07 pm
Dalton, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I did not know your grandmother, she sounds like a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Vickie Lawrence.
November 11, 2020 @ 8:10 pm
She was more than a sister in love, she was my sister in heart. Wanda was wonderful inside & out. Always caring, giving, sharing: showing Gods’ love through the way she lived. The Light of the Lord truly shined through her, for all to see. I will miss talking to her, & being with her. Love you Wanda forever & a Day!
November 11, 2020 @ 8:37 pm
Oh my. Pat I’m so sorry Prayers for Paul and family. I’m sure she will be greatly missed.
March 25, 2021 @ 1:13 am
I am so sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing, I just learned it today. I went to RN school with Wanda and there were many times she helped me study for something I just wasn’t clear about. She graciously invited me to her home and helped me learn more than some of our professors. I will always have a special in my heart for Wanda. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I know Wanda has a special place in heaven with many jewels in her crown.
Sincerely with Love,Cindy Drye Botard
March 25, 2021 @ 1:18 am
I am so sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing, I just learned it today. I went to RN school with Wanda and there were many times she helped me study for something I just wasn’t clear about. She graciously invited me to her home and helped me learn more than some of our professors. I will always have a special in my heart for Wanda. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I know Wanda has a special place in heaven with many jewels in her crown.
Sincerely with Love,Cindy Drye Botard