Wanda Campbell McGrede's Obituary
Wanda Campbell McGrede, 86, of Longview passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 following a brief illness. A memorial service will be at 2 pm Thursday, July 25, 2013 in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Michael L. Schutz officiating under direction of Rader Funeral Home.
Wanda was born November 8, 1926 in Sulphur Springs, Texas to Jeff and Omega Campbell. After graduating from high school there in 1943, she attended Texas Christian University, receiving a bachelor's degree in Christian Education in 1947. She worked as Director of Christian Education at the First Christian Church in Tyler, Texas. In 1949, Wanda married the love of her life, Henry C. McGrede, recently celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary. They moved to Longview in 1952, where Wanda began a life of service to her church and her community. She was an active member of the First Christian Church until 1975 when she joined her husband as a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was very interested in theology and studied and taught the Bible throughout her life. Wanda served on the Board of Jarvis College for 12 years and was an active member and served as President of the Gregg County Medical Auxiliary. She enjoyed teaching college age students in Sunday school for many years. Wanda was an accomplished pianist and utilized her musical talents in service to her church, directing numerous children's choirs and teaching music for the Terrific Tuesday's Children's program. She founded the Longview Interfaith Council, was an active member and President of Shakespeare Club, President of Women's Forum, a Hospice volunteer for eleven years, and served on the boards of the Longview Chamber of Commerce and the Longview YMCA.
Wanda was very interested in travel and always ready to go! She started her own travel agency, Welcome Aboard Travel, at age 50, describing herself as a "late bloomer". As a certified travel consultant, she enjoyed traveling throughout the world. An avid learner, Wanda received her Master's Degree in Liberal Arts from Southern Methodist University in her late 60's.
Wanda was a vivacious, outgoing lady who lit up a room and never net a stranger. She simply loved people. She leaves a host of us who will miss her greatly.
In addition to her beloved husband, Henry, she was an adoring mother to Anne McGrede Ashcroft and her daughter, Kaye Lynn McGrede who preceded her in death. She was the best "MeMommy" ever to her two granddaughters, Ashley Ashcroft and Alexandra Ashcroft Crawley. She was so proud of her son-in-law, Benjamin Franklin Ashcroft and grandsons-in-law, James Anthony Kingham and William Eiland Crawley. Wanda will also be fondly remembered and missed by other close family and many dear friends.
Wanda's family wishes to thank all of those who have supported us through this journey with a special Thank you to Dr. Julian Deese for his attentive and expert care along with the other amazing physicians, nurses, and support staff of Good Shepherd Medical Center for the compassionate, respectful, and quality care they provided. Heartfelt appreciation is also extended to First United Methodist church and Heartsway Hospice, who provided care in her last days.
The family request memorials in Wanda's memory be made to the First United Methodist of Longview, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or to the charity of your choice.
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