Wanda Louise Anderson

Wanda Louise Flanary was born on a rainy Friday, September 20, 1935, in Inman, Virginia, the third child and second daughter of Maxie and Noah Flanary. Her life-long friend and confidant was her sister Joyce, born 16 months her senior, the two sisters were more like twins inseparable from the moment Wanda arrived they would live, love and support each other throughout life’s journey. To be in the room with Joyce and Wanda was to witness two people so close that they could both be talking at the same time in a constant flow of thoughts that were never confused and always understood. A younger sister Margie would be added to the Flanary Family in August 1937 bring their number to four children: oldest son Roy, first daughter Joyce, second daughter Wanda and baby sister Margie.

Life in the community of Inman one of eight coal camps surrounding the town of Appalachia, Virginia was not easy, but Maxie and Noah provided for their four children in the best way possible. Roy would grow up to be a Physicist the first in his family to go to college, all the Flanary children were good students and strongly bonded to their family. Joyce, Wanda and Margie would marry gentlemen from the community keeping the family ties close and growing the family numbers.

Wanda married Billy Eugene Anderson, the youngest of five in the Anderson family on August 22, 1953, one month short of Wanda’s 18th birthday. Bill was the love of her life, and they lived a life completely devoted to each other. Their family would grow with the births of their daughter Pamela Sue on June 23, 1954, and their son Dennis Keith (Keyboy) on July 10, 1956. Their life, while not perfect, was a shining example of unwavering love and support for each other and their children through the best and the most challenging of times in their life journey. Pam and Keith were exceptional students who made their parents proud both would grow and follow life paths that took them out of Tennessee, however love and a strong tie to family ensured they would always find their way back home. Joyce would marry Harold Fields, and they would grow their family with the addition of their son Harold Eddie Fields. Eddie and his wife Sherry would become neighbors to Wanda and Bill strengthening the close family bond and continuing the legacy of keeping family close. When Eddie and Sheri were blessed with their two daughters Jennifer and Whitney, Wanda added them to the people in her circle of love. Wanda and Joyce would keep their families close with their husbands becoming best friends and their children growing up together. Wanda built a life centered on family and she focused on keeping the ties close and strong. As Pam and Keith married and had children of their own, she was a light shining in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her blue eyes and laughter were a trademark of her warm loving personality. Wanda was a loving giving soul who always saw the best in all those she met, and she gave openly of herself to make others feel welcome and loved. Her laughter will forever be the music in the souls of those she loved and her smile a warm blanket to shield them from the cold that life might bring. When Bill moved on in his journey in March 2000, Wanda would broaden her influence and experience by spending time with her children exploring the world. Her annual trips with Pam to New York as well as other locations in the US enabled her to deepen her relationship with her daughter as well as broaden her understanding of the world. Life for Wanda was a journey of wonder, excitement, learning and love.

Her legacy lies in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Billy Ward was like her second son, Wanda found immense joy and happiness in sharing the journey with her daughter Pam in watching Billy grow and establish a family of his own. Billy’s devotion to his Grandparents was an example to all in unconditional love and support. His wife Carey and their daughters, Abigail and Bella, brought happiness and an opportunity to continue her legacy of devotion to family. Pam’s marriage to Marc Ittah in December of 1995 would add additional family for Wanda to treasure in Collette, Marc’s daughter, Mackey her Husband and their two sons. Cole and Ethan. With each new addition Wanda opened her arms and embraced them with all her love and warmth punctuating the moments they shared with the signature sparkle in her blue eyes and always filling the room with laughter.

Keith would marry Helen in February of 1993 and add immediately two daughters Christina and Lauren; and two years later a son Elliott. Wanda welcomed all into her growing tribe which would expand to include Helen’s Mother Jackie and Father Joe. Jackie and Wanda would grow close over the years acting more like sisters than in-laws as time passed and both managing Joe to be the best he could be. He often commented that having two wives at the same time to coach him to success was more than any man deserved.

The love and lessons Wanda and Bill lived and shared with their children would spread from their family of four to impact the lives of all who were blessed to join the Anderson family, now totaling more than 18 in the family including five grandchildren and five great grandchildren all who will carry the light Wanda shared of love and dedication to family. We celebrate the woman you became and the impact you made on so many lives, we will miss those eyes that shone so bright and your laughter that filled the room in a world that often seems so dark you shown bright to be a spark to help lift up all our hearts. You have been and always will be a Guiding Star to your Family.

Our Guiding Star

My Mother, my heart, my grounding force, And Loving Grandma, with your gentle discourse. Your beacons bright, across the years, You banish doubts and calm all fears. 

Your love, a tapestry so fine, With threads of strength and wisdom intertwined. You built this home, with care and might, And filled our lives with warmth and light.

From Mother's gentle, guiding hand, To Grandma's stories, softly planned, I've learned the lessons, felt the pride, With you always, right by my side.

You taught me how to stand up tall, To answer every hopeful call. To give with a heart so full and free, And find the best in all I see.

Though paths may change, and years may fly, Your spirit in my heart will lie. For in this family, strong and true, I find my inspiration, all because of you.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00pm till 3:00pm on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in the Dogwood Chapel at Morris-Baker Funeral Home.

The funeral service is scheduled for 3:00pm following the visitation. Pastor Johnny Flanary will be officiating.

A committal service is scheduled for 1:00pm on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Mountain Home National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive at the cemetery no earlier than 12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital in honor of Wanda.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Wanda Anderson. 423-282-1521.