Wanda Collett

Wanda Lou McCarthey Collett, 73, of Abilene, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Visitation will be 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Thursday, February 1, 2024 in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.

Wanda was born on March 14, 1950, in Abilene, Texas to Lee D. and Willie McCarthey.

Wanda was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mom, maw maw, and friend. Wanda had a love for life and loved to make everyone around her feel special. She loved being involved with family activities, attending her church, cooking, or just drinking a cup of coffee.

Wanda attended Fair Park Elementary School 1st through 6th grade. Attended 7th grade at Lincoln Junior High and 8th through 12th grades at Hawley Schools. She graduated from Hawley High School in 1968. After graduation she attended Career Academy in Houston, Texas where she received her Dental Assistant Certification.

In 1969, Wanda went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a Telephone Operator and eventually became a Customer Service Representative until 1978. Wanda spent the next 21 years raising her family, which was her greatest joy. She cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren. In 1999, Wanda returned to work in the office of Dr. William O. Akin until her retirement in 2020.

Wanda met Danny Collett, the love of her life, in 1963 at the age of 13. Danny told Wanda that they would marry someday. That prediction came true on June 22, 1974, when they married in Abilene. They celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this summer. The love they shared was a testimony to all.

Wanda was a member of Hodges Baptist Church where she was active in Sunday School and the Country Ladie's Ministry. She loved serving others whether it be by ministry, cooking, or simply opening her house to family and friends. Her sweet personality and love for others was openly evident. She never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a hand, sympathetic ear, or prayer to anyone who needed it.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Danny; son, Jason and wife Mindy; daughter, Jill Christie and husband Lex; Twin sister, Sondra Smith and husband Larry; sister, Karen Ballard and husband Gilbert; and brother, Ronnie McCarthey; Grandchildren, Shelby Collett and husband Jared, Tanner Collett and Fiancé Kodi, Donavan and Colten Foster, and Brooke Christie; five great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Lee D. "Charlie" and Willie McCarthey; and brother, Don "Butch" McCarthey.

Pallbearers are Chris Hale, Daryl Smith, Jerry Bartlett, Kevin Ballard, Austin Adkin, and Jared Sharp.