Wanda Prince

Once in a great while does one encounter a person of such stimulating intellect, compassion, faith, and empathy that our lives are changed for the better-only in the meeting. Such a person was Wanda Ruth Prince, nee: Culp (Monroe), age 98, who went to be with our Lord on December 18, 2024, in Paragould.

Born on October 10, 1926, at Leachville, Arkansas, her journey began.

On July 3, 1944, Wanda started her teaching career in a one room school house in Crittenden County called Bone School. She graduated with a BA from South East Missouri College and obtained a MA in history from Arkansas State University. She retired from Paragould High School on November 1, 1986. She then taught night classes for both ASU and BRTC. She was a Fullbright Scholar and served to develop curriculum in India. Wanda enjoyed sharing stories and a slide show about her trips to India. After retirement, she worked with her husband building houses and in the cabinet shop.

Wanda accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior on August 18, 1940, at Silverdale Baptist Church. Faith was an important part of her life. Her life was her testimony to her love for GOD. The commitment to this faith was unwavering and she lived her beliefs through acts of service and compassion. Wanda joined First Baptist Church in Paragould in the summer of 1967. She attended other churches over the years where M. E. Prince preached, and they returned to FBC when M. E. retired from preaching. She was very active in church, playing piano, choir, Sunday School Class teacher, AWANAS, Bible School, busing program, visitation to homes. She actively engaged in Children's Programs, enriching the lives of those around her. Many of the children from church know her as the "Cookie Lady." She found joy in simple "Acts of Kindness," and her ability to uplift those around her was unparallelled. Her spirit continues to resonate through the many lives she touched.

In Wanda's spare time, she enjoyed projects and activities where she developed many friendships: quilting, painting, wood working, fishing, gardening, flowers, avid reader, crafts, sewing, embroidering, and wrote and published short stories. She enjoyed writing and receiving letters and cards. She wrote between 40 to 60 letters each year. The larger number being the years she would send a "Meemaw letter" to all the grandkids. She liked to make baby blankets, gifting out between 10 and 20 each year. She loved to make and give cookies, mailing them to all of the family. She was active in the Civitan Auxiliary, and several teacher organizations.

As we bid farewell to Wanda, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and passion. Her life exemplified her generous spirit and unwavering dedication to her family, church, and community. Her journey does not end with her passing, but continues in the legacy left behind- unconditional love, strength, faith, family, and friends. We cherish the memories she created with all whose lives she touched.

SHE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED

She was preceded in death by her husband, M. E. Prince; her parents, Bruce and Rebecca (Wallace) Culp; and siblings, Bernice, Henry Wallace, Anna Louise, Bruce, Jr., Rebecca (Babe) Wooten, Mabel, Paul (Max), Harold, and Don.

Wanda (Meemaw) is survived by her children, Lance (Mary) Monroe, George (Ulien) Monroe, Gene (Betty) Prince, Sharon (David) Murphy, Kay (Danny) Wheeler, Gary (Carla) Prince, and Nina (Frank) Curtis, 25 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of family members and friends.

The family is extremely grateful for the support of Wanda's friends, and the loving care she received from the dedicated staff at Greene Acres Nursing Home (GANH), particularly in her last days.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation, sharing cherished stories and memories, on Friday, December 27, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral services to honor Wanda's life will be held at First Baptist Church in Paragould on Saturday, December 28, beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Dustin Morgan, Ross Morgan, Marshall Morgan, Brayden Morgan, Jody Dillon, Mikey Pekrul, and Jack Pekrul. Honorary pallbearers are Brian Curtis, Kevin Curtis, and Wes Morgan.

May Wanda rest in peace with her Lord and Savior, knowing she was loved and touched many lives.