Wanda Gene Blackburn Harper, 78, passed away on May 23, 2023. Wanda was born on January 23, 1945 to Ralph and Wanda Blackburn in Douglas, Arizona. She moved to Santa Maria, California with her family in 1958 and was educated at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, graduating in 1965. She married in 1969 and had a daughter, Kary in 1972.
Wanda worked in Civil Service for the US government at Naval Air Station North Island for almost 30 years. She was awarded “Outstanding Handicapped Federal Employee” in 1986 of which she was immensely proud.
Wanda was an active member of the deaf community at Shadow Mountain Community Church and greatly cherished the interpreting services provided to her. This enabled her to attend services weekly, hear the message, and even participate in singing the songs which she greatly enjoyed. Wanda was also a faithful member of the Precepts Bible Study class for many years and diligently studied the Bible to increase her faith.
Wanda’s walk with the Lord was an inspiration and a great comfort to her family who know she is in heaven and that we will see her again someday.
Wanda is survived by her only child, Kary (Robert) Scheel, brother Paul (Jeannette) Blackburn, and nephews Michael (Brandi) Aiazzi and Kyle Blackburn. She also leaves behind her two grandchildren Katherine and James Scheel, great nephews Blake and Brooks Aiazzi, as well as many dear relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and brother Ralph G. Blackburn.
A memorial service for Wanda will be held at Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon on Friday, June 16 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Shadow Mountain’s deaf ministry in Wanda’s memory.
