Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. ~Thessalonians 4:13~
WANDA JEAN MASON, was born on December 4, 1960, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the late John Wilson Mason and Ella Reader Mason. Wanda's earthly journey ended on Friday, September 8, 2023, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer.
Wanda was educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools, where she graduated from West Forsyth Senior High School. With a desire to advance her knowledge, Wanda received a Bachelor of Arts degree with magna cum laude distinction in 1983 from Johnson C. Smith University, where she majored in Business Administration. During her college years, she pledged and became a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Wanda's career journey spanned Belk department store, First Federal Savings and Loan, Dudley Products, Inc. and Springboard Care Services.
Wanda's Christian journey and unwavering faith began at an early age at Shiloh Baptist Church, where she served faithfully on the youth choir, as a youth missionary and as a member of the JPL Singers. Later, she became affiliated with Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully, until her health declined, as a member of the Katie Hawkins Missionary Circle and as a greeter to welcome all who entered the church.
Maya Angelou once wrote: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Wanda was one of those people who always made others feel loved and welcomed. She was willing to step up and help people in need. She did more than just make those around her feel good; she made everyone feel special, important and valued.
We will honor Wanda by continuing to love one another and by being kind and hospitable. We will carry her many words of wisdom in our hearts, no matter where we go, and we will always remember Wanda for being the glue that brought us together with her spirit of compassion, generosity and service.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Kerry M. Wade.
Her loving memories will forever remain in the hearts of her sons, Antwan J. Mason and Twalondus Simmons, and a bonus son, Quincy Roseboro. The pride and joy of her life were her amazing grandchildren, Alijah Simmons, Aariyah Mason, Amari Mason, Ryleigh Willis, Zenai Jegede and Zaire Jegede; her brothers, John E. Mason, Willie J. Mason and Patrick. J. (Robin) Mason; her dedicated, trusted sister and caregiver, Debra D. (Willie) Brown; a dear uncle, John W. (Jackie) Reader; a caring aunt, Linda Faye Reader; her god-sister, Peculiar (Arthur) Sprinkle; her god-brother, Bishop John C. (Dr. Eula) Williams; a close family friend, Freda Linville Manns; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other god-brothers and god-sisters and cherished friends.
A special thank you is extended to Debra Brown and her husband, Willie, for being the most compassionate caregivers one could have.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Liberty Hospice Care for the dignity and love they showed our beautiful sister. Special thanks to Ken Quigley, Brittney Brooks, Kevin Johnson, Katie Lovelace and Shanee Davis.
A public viewing will be held Friday September 15, 2023 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Douthit's. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 12 p.m. (noon) at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem with Dr. Nathan E. Scovens officiating. The family will meet with friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday at the church.
Professional services and arrangements are entrusted to Douthit Funeral Services.