Wanda Nell Waller

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Wanda Waller, died on Friday, February 21, 2025. She was 92 years young. 

Wanda was born on July 25, 1932, to Arris Kinkade and Dorothy Gilliam Kinkade in Ladonia, Texas. She grew up on the farm in Gober, Texas, where she attended Bartley Woods School. In 8th grade, her family moved to Hurst. She graduated from the original Birdville High School in 1949. Following high school, she completed Business School in Fort Worth.

As a member of the Silent Generation, Wanda valued hard work, was resilient, and extremely loyal to her family and community. Her experiences of life on the farm with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins provided her a solid foundation with a focus on family and faith. 

Wanda married Joe Waller on November 25, 1955. They raised their family in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area where they were integral members of their church and community. Wanda was involved in school, sports, church, and community activities with her children and grandchildren, always as their number one supporter and cheerleader. She was a member of the Bedford Historical Foundation, with special involvement in the Old Bedford School Restoration Project. Wanda was a member of First Baptist Bedford for many years and later was a founding member of Woodland Heights Baptist Church, where she served as a trustee for many years. 

While her life was filled with family and community, Wanda had a successful career with Southwestern Bell, spanning 38 years. She was in a leadership role with the company during a time this was not the norm for women. She was a true professional in every sense of the word. Following her retirement from Southwestern Bell she worked with the Jerry Jackson Law Firm for several tax seasons where she loved meeting and greeting all who visited.

Wanda, or Gran as known by so many, was the heart and soul of our family. She demonstrated her faith through her actions as she served others, loved unconditionally, and always treated others with kindness and respect. She set high standards for herself and her family, providing encouragement and words of wisdom along the way at just the right time. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and her great grandchildren who brought new energy and joy to her world. They loved Gran and she loved them.

The family would like to acknowledge those whose help and watchful eye allowed Wanda to live independently until her fall on February 9, 2025. Thank you to the best neighbors ever. We could name so many but specifically want to recognize Wanda and Jack Campbell, Janis Myers, and Brian Roberts who literally checked on her daily and helped with tasks around the house and yard that needed attention, shared a special friendship, and enjoyed lots of laughs. Thank you for loving her like family. 

A very special thank you to her grandson, Adam Scozzari, who would be available on a moment’s notice to help with household emergencies, go to her house to make sure all was well when she didn’t answer the phone, and take care of whatever needed to be done. Our family cannot fully express how thankful we are for the love and friendship she shared with Anita Meler. Anita brightened her days as they talked on nearly a daily basis, went out to eat, shopped, baked, and enjoyed life. Wanda’s life was also enhanced when her cousin, Roy Kinkade, came to town each week. If the Dallas Mavericks were playing, Wanda and Roy were watching. Thank you to Roy for always loving Wanda like a sister.

Wanda is survived by: Daughter, Lydia Martin and her husband, Jeff, of Bedford; Son, Jase Waller and his wife, Tami, of Telephone; Grandchildren, Adam Scozzari and his wife, Kerri Anne, of Bedford, Bailey Waller of Lubbock, Kendyl Waller of Bonham, Hayden Waller and his wife, Anna, of Conway, Arkansas, Brock Martin and his wife, Preslie, of Hickory Creek, Sam Martin and his wife, Tori, of San Antonio; Great Grandchildren, Noah, Liam, and Gemma Scozzari of Bedford; Kinley and Layne Martin of Hickory Creek; numerous other relatives; and a host of friends and neighbors who are like family.

Wanda is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Joe Waller; parents, Arris Kinkade and Dorothy Gilliam Kinkade, and brother, Gary Thomas Kinkade.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Wednesday, February 26th at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst. We will come together to celebrate Wanda’s life at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 27th at Lucas Funeral Home, followed by interment at Bluebonnet Hills in Colleyville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the HEB ISD Education Foundation in memory of Wanda and Joe Waller. Donations may be sent to the HEB ISD Education Foundation c/o HEB Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Drawer 969, Bedford, Texas 76095. Please note the contribution is in memory of Wanda and Joe Waller.