Wanda Thomas Lopez

Following a life lived in faith, Wanda Jane Thomas Lopez entered her heavenly home on April 11th, 2026. Born on March 18, 1947 to Rufus Benjamin and Bertha Mae Thomas at Jelks Hospital in Reidsville, Georgia, Wanda grew up on the family farm alongside her brothers and sisters working in cotton and tobacco in the Pineview community. In 1959, after years of prayer meetings in the homes of community members, Pineview Baptist Church was established when her father Rufus donated land for a permanent meeting location, and Wanda became one of the charter members. She was blessed to be raised by Christian parents and was a God-fearing woman of faith who consistently exemplified the qualities of a woman of noble and virtuous character as portrayed in the book of Proverbs. In 1988, Cornerstone Church was established in Statesboro, Georgia where she attended from the beginning and remained a faithful member until her death.

While in high school, Wanda was passionate about playing basketball. She remained lifelong friends with many members of the Reidsville High School class of 1965 who continued to have frequent reunions and enjoyed each other’s company immensely. Her senior graduation trip to Washington, D.C. opened her eyes to the possibility of a different life, and upon returning, she shared with her parents her intentions to move to Washington, D.C. to fulfill her dream. She was so courageous and brave to move to D.C. at 18 years old to accept a position as a stenographer with the F.B.I. where she skillfully used the shorthand that Mary Ann Carter taught her in high school. Her employers admired her for her professional competence and superior performance. Even though many today consider shorthand a lost art, she used it proficiently for the rest of her life. While in Washington, D.C., she met her future husband, John Lopez. The couple married in 1967, and before the birth of their two daughters, they resided in Puerto Rico for several years. After returning to Georgia, Wanda continued to work for the FBI. In her life, she spoke often, highly, and fondly of the friends and agents she worked alongside in both Puerto Rico and Atlanta. While living in Atlanta, she also chose to further her education and earned a certificate in conversational Spanish at Clayton Community College in Morrow, GA in 1975.

Shortly thereafter, the couple returned to Tattnall County, and Wanda continued her work as a stenographer in Fort Stewart. She was commended by Colonel Daniel R Holtz of the United States Army for her impeccable performance and contagious enthusiasm. Her diligent service was noted in whatever work she applied herself to. When Wanda began working for Pineland Mental Health in 1985, her work ethic and servant's heart gave her a professional avenue to use her spiritual gifts of compassion and generosity to build relationships with countless members of our community. Her gentle nature and genuine sincerity earned the love and trust of so many individuals that she didn’t see as clients but family. Her quick wit and sense of humor made her easy to love and a joy to be around. When she transitioned to the Department of Family and Children Services in 2002, she continued to dedicate her time and efforts serving and helping others. Many of her coworkers became long-standing friends with whom she remained close with, long after retirement in 2009.

Over the years, she met and helped so many people at Quail Village Apartments where she worked part-time as the housing manager. Her selfless nature turned that job into a ministry long after her employment ended. Her residents became friends and family that depended on her to complete many mundane yet essential tasks that were needed and asked of her. She served our community diligently, willingly, and quietly one need at a time. Whether it was balancing checkbooks, making budgets, helping bills get paid, and transporting individuals to and from the doctor or often filling out paperwork, getting groceries, running errands, or lending a listening ear, there was never a request that went unanswered.

Wanda was humble and selfless with a beautiful, gentle spirit. She loved reading her bible, spending time with her family, and spoiling her pets. She was always up for conversation and a good laugh. She was an example to us all, and her absence will be felt by all that knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Julian and Jackie Thomas of Glennville, brother-in-law Kennon Tatum, brother Kerry Thomas of Elberton, sister Joann Thomas of Reidsville, and nephew Danny Thomas of Glennville.

She leaves behind her children: Bonnie (Paul) Slater and Richard (Johanna) Lopez of Dublin, Georgia, Laura (Heath) Brown of Collins and Sarah (Pat) Willis of Reidsville.

Grandchildren: Tristan (Renee) Willis, Lucas Smith, Isaac Willis, Aidan (Jai) Willis, Andrew Willis, Miles and Hampton Brown, Amelia and Adelaide Willis as well as two great-granddaughters Hadley and Kaylee Willis.

Siblings: Lyndal Tatum, Anita Thomas Kelley, Ronnie (Susan) Thomas of Reidsville, Georgia and sister-in-law Mary Louise Thomas of Sylvania, Georgia.

Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday, April 19th, 2026, at Pineview Baptist Church. Inurnment will follow in Pineview Baptist Church Cemetery.

Care and Services are entrusted to Brannen Family Funeral Services, Glennville, Georgia. “Our Family Serving Your Family.”