Wanda L. Ballard

Wanda Lorraine Ballard, age 96, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2020 in Humble, Texas. She was born in Rhodes, Iowa, on October 8, 1924. She was the second of ten children born to Wesley and Martha Jewell. At the tender age of 15, she eloped to Memphis, Missouri with the love of her life, Jack Warren Ballard. Jack and Wanda were happily married for over 60 years until his passing in January 2001.

Along with her loving husband, Wanda was preceded in death by both parents; her son, Gary Ballard, who was only 5 years old at his passing; her granddaughter, Lisa Ash; her four brothers: Cecil, Sydney, Donovan, and Rodney; and four sisters: Ruth, Evelyn, Penny, and Shirley. Most recently, Wanda lost her daughter Teresa Rhodes.

She is survived by her sister, Beverly and daughters Sandra Anderson and husband Arthur of Houston; Jewell Ash and husband John Wayne of Humble; son Jack Ballard Jr. and wife Kimberly of Biloxi; and son-in-law Ronald Rhodes of New Caney. Wanda had 12 grandchildren, (Jody, Marshall, Bethany, Roger, Donnie, Steven, Debbie, Jeffrey, Tammy, Ronnie, Lori, and Travis). She was also blessed to have 27 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Wanda often spoke of giving her life to the Lord at the age of 30. She loved her Savior, the Lord Jesus, with all her heart. She also loved God’s Word and read it faithfully. She was a powerful prayer warrior, and heaven only knows what a wonderful and eternal impact all her many years of faithful praying have had on her family, her friends, and countless others. If you had the privilege to know her, you will know of her big, beautiful smile and contagious laugh. If she wasn’t reading or working on a puzzle you would most definitely find her with a camera surrounded by family. She adored her many grand babies and couldn’t get enough of them.

Wanda was a long-time member of Woodsdale and Northbelt Evangelistic Church of the Nazarene. In later years, she was a member of New Covenant Church in Humble, Texas, which she loved and faithfully attended until her health no longer allowed her to attend.

Please join the family in celebrating her life Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 10 AM at Brookside Funeral Home (Chapel), 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas, 77039. Graveside service to follow. Visitation to be held Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Private visitation for the family will be at 4 PM. A public visitation will follow from 5:00-8:00 PM.