Wanda Louise McDaniel Secrist

Wanda Louise McDaniel Secrist, age 73, of Hilliard, Florida, was welcomed home to Heaven on Friday, October 11, 2024. Born in Roanoke, Virginia, to E.C. and Anna Louise McDaniel, Wanda embodied a spirit of love, warmth, and spunk that touched the lives of everyone she encountered.

As a preacher's daughter, Wanda dedicated much of her life to her faith and the church, striving to exemplify God’s grace and love in all her interactions. She had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel welcome, earning her the affectionate title of "Mimi" to many. Her passion for life extended to her love for travel, art, music, and her unwavering support for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Wanda was fiercely devoted to her family and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Dennis Ray Secrist; her father, Reverend E.C. McDaniel; and her cherished grandparents, Boyd & Cassie Murphy and J.C. & Texanna McDaniel.

Wanda leaves behind a loving family, including her mother, Anna Louise Carpenter; daughters, Michelle Denise Hamilton (David) and Stephanie Louise Browning (David); grandchildren, Paige Louise Pejsa (Shawn), Tyler David Browning, Dylan Ray Browning (Logan), Christopher Dale Chasse Jr., and Joseph Boyd Chasse; and great-grandchildren, Coty Adam Anderson, Lyla Rae Louise Anderson, Lucy Jade Pejsa, and Liv Paris Chasse. She is also survived by her brothers, Everette Martin and Timothy McDaniel (Nikki), as well as nieces Lindsey Diane Hinson (Bishop), Jolie Marie McDaniel, and Candace Leigh Heft (Ryan), great-nieces Anna Reese Hinson and Olivia Frances Hinson, and special family by love, Rebecca Jacobs Francis (Kenny) and Cara Leigh Sternett (Bryan), along with their children, Emma and Matthew Francis, and Ferin and Jeremiah Sternett; and lifelong friend of over 65 years, Elaine Owens.

Wanda’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11 AM at Hilliard First Assembly of God, honoring her remarkable spirit and the love she shared so freely. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity that reflects Wanda’s commitment to helping others.

To donate to Dreams Come True, please visit: dreamscometrue.org/donate

To donate to Alzheimer’s Research, please visit: give.mayoclinic.org/give/616130

Rest in peace, Wanda. You will always be in our hearts.

Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.