Wanda Ann Green Clary

Wanda had the kind of smile and personality that could light up a room, and if she was around, you could count on plenty of laughter. It was common to hear people say, “Wanda, you ain’t right,” or “Wanda, you crazy girl,” or “Wanda, you are a hoot.” And the truth is… she was all of those things in the very best way.

She loved making people smile. Wanda had a gift for finding humor in just about any situation. No matter what was going on, she could turn a moment around and have you laughing before you even realized it.

Wanda grew up in Blackstone, Virginia, and later made her way to South Hill, where she met the love of her life, Jimmy. The two were married on April 10, 1974, beginning a partnership that would last more than five decades. In 1979, they made their home in Chase City, Virginia, where they built a life filled with love, family, and countless memories.

For ten years Wanda and Jimmy hoped and prayed for a child. In 1984, the Lord answered those prayers and blessed them with their one and only daughter, Kelley. From that moment on, Kelley became the center of Wanda’s world. The two shared an incredibly close bond, and Wanda often reminded Kelley that she was the light of her life.

Wanda believed deeply in her faith and in loving people well. Raised in church, she carried those values with her throughout her life, but she also believed that a relationship with God was something personal. Wanda often said that you didn’t have to get dressed up in fancy clothes and sit in a church pew every Sunday to have a relationship with Him. Her faith wasn’t about appearances — it was about what was in your heart.

She had her own personal relationship with God and often said, “He knows my heart.” Wanda lived that belief every day by the way she treated others — with kindness, humor, and a willingness to help anyone who needed it.

Wanda was also a devoted wife to Jimmy. Many people joked that she must have been a saint to be married to Jimmy Clary for more than 50 years — and Wanda would probably have laughed the loudest at that comment. Their marriage was filled with love, loyalty, and a lifetime of memories together.

During those years, Wanda took great pride in caring for her home and family. Jimmy rarely had to worry about a thing. Wanda made sure there was a home-cooked meal on the table, a ice cold toddy in his hand, the laundry was done, and everything around the house was taken care of.

Becoming MawMaw was one of Wanda’s greatest joys. She was there for the birth of her grandson, JB, and stayed with Kelley during the first week of his life to help care for them both. When it came time for her to leave, the two of them cried like little babies. Before she left, Wanda had hidden little notes all around the house for Kelley to find later — even one tucked away in the freezer — small reminders that she was loved and never alone.

Wanda adored JB and took every opportunity to show it. If she knew he was coming to visit, she made sure the house was stocked with all of his favorite snacks and drinks. Cooking for the people she loved was one of Wanda’s favorite ways to show she cared. Many would say that cooking was her love language, and JB was always happy to enjoy whatever MawMaw had made. As he grew older, Wanda proudly told her friends about JB’s strong faith, something that meant a great deal to her.

Wanda also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen with Kelley’s youngest stepdaughter, Karson, teaching her how to cook some of her simple recipes and sharing laughter along the way.

Wanda also had a special way of showing love through the kitchen. She was well known for her extra crispy fried chicken, so crispy that Jimmy and Kelley would often sneak into the kitchen before dinner to steal a piece of the crunchy coating. Somehow, even if she was in another room, Wanda always knew exactly what they were up to. She was also famous for her chicken salad, which many would argue was simply the best.

When Wanda wasn’t cooking, there was a good chance she was dancing. In her younger years she and Jimmy loved going out dancing together, and that love for music never left her. If there was music playing while she was cooking, Wanda would often start dancing around the kitchen — or as she liked to call it, “boogie.” One of her favorite songs was Brick House, and if it came on, there was a good chance Wanda was going to dance.

Wanda also had a playful sense of humor that never faded, even during the hardest moments of her life. She loved to joke that she wanted the song Back That Azz Up played at her funeral because she was “sho gonna look good backing that azz up into heaven.” During her cancer journey, when she was feeling well enough, she would jokingly tell nurses and medical staff that before they worked on her they had to “back that azz up” for her first. Her humor brought laughter to many hospital rooms and left a lasting impression on the nurses and aides who cared for her.

Wanda’s life was filled with laughter, faith, family, and love. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, cared for, and entertained all at the same time. Her warmth, humor, and genuine love for others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

If you have ever met her daughter Kelley, you have likely heard someone say, “Oh, now I know where you get it from.” Wanda’s spirit, laughter, and heart for people live on through her. The same joy, humor, and love that Wanda shared with the world continues through the life she helped shape.

Though she may no longer be here physically, the memories she created, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.