Wanda Belle Lee King's Obituary
A celebration of the life of Wanda Belle Lee King will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 10am at First Christian Church in Longview Texas. Interment will be at Rosewood Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, April 14, 2014 from 6-8 pm at Rader Funeral Home. Wanda, 87, passed away on April 12 in Longview, Texas after a long illness. She was born on February 6, 1927 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Ethel Ann Matney Lee and Hugh Roy Lee. She described herself as a happy but somewhat shy child who especially enjoyed celebrating holidays with her family. Wanda attended Wichita Falls public schools, graduating in 1944, where she was a member of the Cheeta Club, Footlight Players Club and the Junior Forum, with which she was presented as a debutante in 1944. She worked at a department store as a teenager, and then had jobs at Western Union, the Civil Service and American Airlines. However, she thought the best career was that of a wife and mother – “the return was not monetary, but it was so rewarding… the best!”
Wanda met Kenneth Kent King at a get acquainted mixer/dance at OU and they married 1 ½ years later. They lived several places throughout Oklahoma and Texas and even a short time in Paris, France before settling down in Longview so she and Kent could enjoy their grandchildren.
She loved planting flowers, sewing, traveling, playing games and visiting with her friends. She said her faith has influenced and contributed to her life in that she is assured of God’s love, is happy and grateful for His blessings and that her faith has given her hope – life is great! According to Wanda, God is first, family second and all other things come in third. Wanda was a member of the Cornerstone Class at First Christian Church for many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents as well as two sisters, Melba Salkill and Linda Lee.
Wanda is survived by her husband of 68 years, Kent King, son Gary King and wife Sonia of Alvin, and son Dr. Craig King and wife Jeannie of Longview, as well as her grandchildren Amy Geppert and husband Scott of Austin and Alan King of Fort Worth. She is also survived by her sister Wilma Hall of Marshall, nephew David Hall and wife Bunny of DeKalb, along with great-nephews Wesley and Kyle, and her niece Dr. Sharon Evers and husband Chris of Texarkana and great-nephew Aaron.
The family would like to thank Buckner Westminster Place for the kindness and compassionate care they have given Wanda over the past several years.
If you would like to remember Wanda with a memorial contribution it can be made to the Alzheimer Association, First Christian Church, or the charity of your choice.
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