LaWanda Jean Kester was born on May 16,1938 to Jessie Clarence “JC” and Ruth Mae Callaway in Duncan, Oklahoma. LaWanda passed away December 29, 2022, LaWanda was raised on a farm and told stories of how she rode to school on a stubborn donkey. Maybe this is a reason why in last few months while in pain, she called those around her “jackass”. LaWanda graduated from Empire High School then graduated from Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha with a BA in Business. She married Larry Skinner Sr in 1962 when they proceeded to pop out 2 adorable babies, Larry & Sandra. She moved with Larry to Maryland for about 14 years then came back to Oklahoma in 1978. She started a career with Pepsi Cola as a senior accountant and all those that came over knew not to mention the “CC product”. Thanks goodness Dr Pepper in Oklahoma was owned by Pepsi in those days. Lawanda was the most unconditionally loving, supportive, and encouraging mom to her kids as well as those her kids brought over to the house. There was always a home-cooked meal, free mandatory homework lesson, or dating do’s and don’ts advice session available to anyone who came over and the porch light was always flickering at curfew. In 1982, she and Larry divorced and she started her 2nd part time job at Sears in Heritage Park Mall where she was wooed by a love letter from Jack William Kester who she subsequently married in October of 1986. She then spent her time merging the two families. LaWanda was dedicated to her family and was a meticulous planner and organizer. She made herself “daily”, “weekly”, and “monthly” chore lists. There was no project that didn’t have a “list” and no birthday to be forgotten as her gift each Christmas was a calendar for the new year with everyone’s birthdays included. She also made sure everyone else was organized around her as she had a “list” for them as well. She was a strong lady as proven by her last 5 ½ months and will always be remembered for her infectious smile! She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Kester; son, Larry Lee Skinner Jr.; parents, J.C. and Ruth Callaway; brother, Jimmy Dale Callaway Sr; nephew, Jimmy Dale Callaway Jr, mother in laws, Opal Skinner and Sallie Kester, several extended family members and her fur babies Missy and Jax! She is survived by her daughter, Sandra (husband Darryl) Heintzelman of OKC, grandson Blake (wife Shonna and soon to be great grandson Hero) Heintzelman of OKC; grand-daughter, Shelby Heintzelman of Seattle, WA; sister in law, Jane Callaway of Duncan, OK; niece, Cindy (husband Todd) Sanner of Duncan, OK; step Daughter’s, Laura Kester of Stuart, Florida; Lisa (husband Jet) Jones of Mansfield, Tx; Step Son’s, John (wife Stephanie) Kiosterud of Noble, OK; Robert (wife Traci) Kiosterud of Tucson, AZ; step grand-kids, Alexandria Lopez, Allyssa Krieger, Nathan Lopez, Travis Deckers, Beth Anderson, Lauren Dietx, Grace Cameron, Easton Kiosterud; and a slew of great grandkids! Mom, You were a fighter till the end and I will miss you and your advice every day! You taught me to stop and smell the flowers, enjoy the sunrises, sunsets and all the beauty this earthly world holds. The night you passed away, we all experienced you surrounding us in the sky with the most beautiful sunset. Make a list and you can give it to me when I meet you in the garden some day! You were an adoring daughter, wife, mother, grandma, great grandma, friend and neighbor!!
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