Wanda Smalley

A Graveside services for Wanda Smalley, 82, Eakly resident will be held 2:00 P.M, Saturday, April 4, 2015 in the Eakly Cemetery in Eakly, Oklahoma, officiated by Rev. Lynn Brack and Rev. Virgil Payne and under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton. Visitation will be 8:00 A.M. till 8:00 P.M., Thursday, April 2, 2015 and 8:00 A.M. till 5:00 P.M. Friday April 3, 2015 in the Kiesau Lee Funeral Home. The family will greet guest at the First United Methodist Church in Eakly 10:00 A.M. till 12:00 Noon on Saturday, April 4, 2015. Wanda Lou Seymour Smalley was born in Alamosa, Colorado to William Randolph "Colonel" Seymour and Sophie May Jacobs Seymour on October 5, 1932. Wanda experienced an amazing life full of changes and excitement that was 82 years long. As an infant, her devoted and loving father raised two beautiful children and settled in Oklahoma near family in Paul's Valley. At 3 years old, Wanda's life changed with the blessing of a wonderful woman who would later become her "mother." Ms. Cora Mayfield joined the Seymour family in a marriage to Wanda's father that resulted in exponential love for Wanda for the rest of Cora's 97 years of life. Growing up in Oklahoma City, Wanda was exposed to the many adventures that the city offered. She enjoyed going to the Oklahoma City Orchestra, ballet, the Civic Center stage plays, high school drama presentations, the Oklahoma City Zoo, and Spring Lake Amusement Park. Her life was also impacted by having a dynamic older brother, Eldon Seymour, who contributed to the fun of life with things such as his acting, movies, aeronautics, and much more. Her father owned a tourist court on Old Highway 66 in Oklahoma City. This prosperous business exposed the family to a new world of adventure and knowledge with travelers from afar. While working downtown in the city as a professional assistant in the Kravins Building, she was approached by a high-energy, thin, flopped-eared young man who had his eye on this beautiful black haired "city girl." Their first date at the Trinanon Ballroom changed her life forever. Not only did she teach him how to ballroom dance, but he soon realized that Wanda was the woman of his dreams. Wanda and Earl "Bud" Weaver Smalley Jr. were married on Jan. 19, 1953. The Smalley Family predicted that the "country boy" and "city girl" would only last a couple of months. 63 years of marriage and 4 children later, she certainly proved them wrong! She quickly learned how to live the life of a military wife during the Korean Conflict. Traveling with Bud through basic training they first landed at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri then on to Washington DC where Wanda took a job working for Bud's boss. Then they packed up everything and moved to the rugged and untamed Anchorage, Alaska in 1954. While Bud completed his Military service, they won a strip of land to be homesteaded on the Kenia Peninsula. Our woman of change experienced elk, moose, salmon, Iderioid races and the best 2-seater out-house that a country boy could have built for his new bride. Along with the Alaskan adventure, they were blessed with daughter #1 -Judy Gail -they called their "Alaskan Eskimo" baby. With this new blessing, it was not long before they were ready to return home to Oklahoma with their new treasure. Settling in Oklahoma City and having daughter #2 - Caren Ann, just 11 months later, Wanda said it was like having twins! Another change walked in the door one evening when Bud announced "We are moving back to the farm to raise our family!" So, without any hesitation, she became a farmer's wife! Moving back to the farm entailed MANY changes. She quickly became involved with Smalley family weekends, the Eakly community, the Home Demonstration Club, the Eakly School, and the First United Methodist Church. The church remained a central focus for the rest of her life. Change continued with daughter #3 - Susan Renee - who they called their "farm baby". She was born in October during the middle of peanut harvest. Bud finally brought home them home from the hospital a week later, when harvest was over. Wanda adjusted quickly to the farm life by learning to can, sew, garden, and raise chickens. They also had another baby: daughter #4 - Nancy Ruth -who they would refer to as "the perfect ending." Wanda provided an amazing amount of time, energy and love outside her home, husband, and girls. The mother of girls was also a super aunt to her identical twin nephews, Richard and Raymond, and a wonderful daughter-in-law to Grandma and Grandpa Smalley. In addition to that, she was also a wonderful daughter and sister to her mother, Cora, who she moved to Eakly to be near her family, and to her brother, Eldon, who she took care of in the latter years of his life. Wanda's daughters and family have many memories of this amazing woman of who seemed able to adapt to any change. She loved to play the "Boogie Woogie" on the piano and walk the ivory keys like Tommie Dorsey. She made the award winning sand plum jelly every year for the local fairs, and somehow had 4 girls in matching homemade dresses and curled hair on most Sundays. A vacation she and Bud took seemed to make their life turn a full circle. They, along with their 4 daughters and son-in-laws, returned to Alaska after 50 years to find that their "top of the line" 2 seater outhouse on the Kenia Peninsula was still standing after all of these years…just like the memories she and Bud shared of living in this area. Her life was full of evolutions and changes, but some things remained: one was her love for her family, which continued with her daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her love and devotion to her God. This extraordinary woman never faltered to be a blessing to all. Her favorite song, "Make me a Blessing," truly reflected what she did for all of those who surrounded her. Wanda passed away on April 1, 2015 in her home at Eakly, Oklahoma. A home that love built. She has finally joined her Savior, and danced into heaven with Bud, just like the first wonderful date they had many years ago - only this time he is not stepping on her toes. Wanda's family is very thankful for the blessing of some very special women that were there for her during the last years, months & days of her life. Through their loving devotion, these compassionate, committed, caring ladies allowed her the care and comfort that only God could send her way. We are grateful for her care providers Gabriella Martinez, a loving friend of 18 years, Teri Gorshing, Kim Martin, and Cristina Thiessen. Wanda and her family would also like to thank, Zelma Lasley. Zelma stood by her side from her 1st day of moving to the farm until her journey into heaven. The family admires the wonderful care and knowledge of Dr. Robert Blakeburn and Samaritan Hospice of Clinton. Wanda is survived by her "Smalley Girls," and their families: #1 -Judy and Mike Wilkes of Moore and their children Jacqueline and Luke Harrison of Denver, Colorado, Austin and Meagan Wilkes and son Evan of Newcastle, Lt. Travis Wilkes of Yakota Air Base, Japan, and, Bryan and Haleigh Wilkes and son Jeremiah of Oklahoma City. #2- Caren and David Wall of Owasso and their children Dustin and Lindsey Wall of Edmond and Derek and Chelsie Wall of Bethany. #3-Susan and Ken Rose of Weatherford, and their children David Rose, D'Ann and Jeff Berrong, Wesly Smalley Rose and Tiler Smalley Rose all of Weatherford. #4-Nancy and Jimmie Hinz of Corn and their children Brandon and Lexi Hinz and son Joe, and Courtney and Dewrell Bryan, their son Gavin and daughter Rylee, all of Weatherford Wanda is also survived by 3 sister-in-laws; 2 bother-in-laws; and a host of nieces and nephews. Memorial Donations may be made to the Eakly Cemetary Fund or The Eakly First United Methodist Church.