She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Hope, Sr., stepson, Bob Hope, brother Millen (Butch) Dunbar, and first husband Sherman Hayes.
Survivors include her son, David Hope (Carolyn Snyder), brothers Jerry Dunbar (Cheryl), and Randy Dunbar (Vonda). Her family also includes step children that she raised and called her own: Ken Hope (Mardi), Ted Hope, Joe Hope, Jr., daughter-in-law, Jean Hope, Sherman Hayes, Jr. (Tyree) Stephanie Kroll (Gerry), and many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Wanda was a Tampa native and grew up with a love for dance and entertaining. As a student at Miss Ella Mae’s School of Dance, she was an accomplished dancer, especially in ballet and acrobatics. After graduating from Hillsborough High School in 1953, she traveled the US and into Canada with various dance troupes. Her career continued in Las Vegas where she was part of the dance chorus at many famous hotels for several years. She was quick to say she was not a “show girl” but did the hard work of dance routines and performance.
She always amazed us with stories of actors, singers and performers that she met and worked with over the years, including Liberace, Judy Garland, Sammy Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Harry Belafonte, who taught her how to play Conga drums, and of course, Elvis.
She married Sherman Hayes and soon joined his band as a vocalist and reluctant drummer. They were married 13 years until his death in 1967.
Her next chapter was her great love, Joe Hope, Sr. and they married in 1970. Wanda never quit performing and played drums at the American Legion Post 111 in Tampa every Saturday night for 25 years, only retiring her band (The Hi-Hopes) in 2005.
Continuing with her love of music, Wanda joined the Sugartime Singers in 2011 and contributed as a vocalist and percussionist. She considered this group a lifesaver after the loss of her husband Joe, and was proud of being a part of an ensemble that brought joy to residents at local nursing homes, retirement facilities and at community events.
Also, in 2007, Wanda became a proud member of the Riverview Ladies of the Moose.
Wanda Leigh Hope was loved by many with her endearing personality, love of entertaining and zest for life.
Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to Women of the Moose, P.O. Box 3488, Riverview, FL 33568. A celebration of life will be held at Riverview Moose Lodge in Gibsonton, Florida on Sunday, July 22nd at 2 pm.
The address for her service at the Moose Lodge and delivery of flowers is 9000 Honeywell Rd. Gibsonton, FL 33534.
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