Visitation: 5 – 7 PM Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Hewitt Community Church
Funeral Service: 2 PM Monday, February 21, 2022 at Hewitt Community Church. Burial to follow at Waco Memorial Park.
Wanda Lee Bates Fannin was born on March 2, 1939, in Eureka, Texas, there she learned to cook fabulous food from her mother Willie, to work hard from her father, Warnie, and to enjoy a good laugh from her four brothers, Alton, Billy, Clinton and Don. I’m not sure where her sense of style came from, but she was gifted. She wanted to be a hairdresser or a realtor, but her parents did not want her to leave home to go to the nearest school. Wanda and Jimmy met on a blind date set up by Martha, Jimmy’s sister. Nine months later they wed, and, within a few years, they were the proud parents of two amazing daughters, Regina and Dana. Boy, were Jimmy and Wanda lucky! Actually, there was no luck involved, just two kids swamped in a boatload of blessings.
Dana and I could not have ever had a better set of parents. We were blessed beyond description. Not to mention, the mountain of clothes we were buried under after she opened her dress shop. She was our beautician/barber, stylist, interior decorator, cooking instructor/chef, teacher, cheerleader, landscaper, caretaker and nurse. I’m sure that I left a few things out; she was a very busy woman.
Wanda built her career in retail, specializing in ladies clothing. She received awards and recognition for her accomplishments as the successful business owner of Wanda Fannin, Inc. After many years of attending Calvary Assembly of God, Wanda became a faithful member of Hewitt Community Church. In her free time, she enjoyed interior design, cooking, and travel.
Everything that Wanda touched reflected her beauty and strength. She was a wife to one and a parent to two; yet many have spoken of her as a close friend, a sister, and a second mom. Wanda was a woman capable of great love who touched so many lives. While we would have liked it if she had stuck around for another 50 years, since she didn’t, I’m glad that she has gone home with Jesus and has been reunited with so many that she loved. We will miss her more than we could ever express.
Wanda is survived by her husband of 59 years, James Fannin; two daughters, Regina and her husband, David Tomlinson, of Stephenville, and Dana and her husband, Rance Craig of China Spring; and her grandchildren: Connor Tomlinson, Tim Tomlinson, Kerra Tomlinson, Sterling and his wife, Anya Tomlinson, Kyler Craig, Carter Craig, and Kaden Craig.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Bennie Robinson Bates and Warnie Clifton Bates and her brothers, Alton Bates, W.C. Bates, Billy Bates, O.C. (Clinton) Bates, Donald Bates.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Hewitt Community Church.
Place of Service: ,
Print Obituary & Condolences
My prayers with Wanda’s family. Wanda was an inspiration to me and I will never for get Wanda inviting me to speak at the church in Corsicana when we both were very young. I loved shopping at her shop. She was a gracious person and a wonderful roll model. I know she is rejoicing with our Lord and Savior. I can only imagine her peace and happiness. Joyce Sherry Maresh.
My thoughts and prayers for Jimmy, Regina and Dana. I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Wanda. Will dearly miss her.
Wanda was one of my best friends. We have been friends for years we have laughed at some of the simple things in life like once when she worked at Lake Air She interrupted me and said, ” let me come in the dressing room with you so Howard can’t see me . She came in and immediately kicked off her shoes. Stretching out her feet she wiggled her toes. Oh! That feels so good. We both had a good laugh. Another time she had surgery on her foot and was in A wheel chair My husband’s mother, who lives in Arkansas, had just passed away and he was leaving that day to be there for the funeral the next day. I was recouping from a back surgery. We were talking on the phone, she in her wheel chair And me flat on my back unable to move. Not very well Any way, Wanda said before Bob leaves have him bring you out here and I will take care of you until he gets back. May God welcome my friend on two good feet And bless her as He welcomes her in Heaven. I will miss you my friend.