I never met Wanda in person, but she and I connected online over our shared obsession with Xena 25 years ago. For a number of years we talked every 1-2 weeks on the phone for an hour or two. We may have never met, but I considered her to be one of my closest friends, and I shared things with her that I've never told another soul. My personal world is much...lesser for her loss.

Wanda was a very special person in so many ways. She was my cousin and we loved her so much.  Her sudden, unexpected passing has broken so many hearts. She was so intelligent, kind, loving and one of the funniest people you’ll ever know.  Her passion for animals was unmatched. She lived a full successful life. We will miss you sweet Wanda. 

I first met Wanda nearly thirty years ago in a 1993/1994 graduate history/women’s studies class. She was one of a kind, the most interesting person I had ever met.

Wanda had a gift for storytelling peculiar to Southerners and the Irish. Always curious, she was a great listener with an amazing memory, and you soon learned to avoid telling her anything personal that might later be fodder for her stories. She remembered, embellished with glee, and frequently recounted my wartime evacuation and my escapades during many years at an English girls’ boarding school.

Wanda was so kind, caring and generous and never turned away anyone needing help, whether it was assisting students who sought extra advice, working at a shelter for abused women and children, decorating a Christmas tree with hats, scarves, and gloves for the homeless, and the 100 gifts she purchased every year to donate to the most needy children in Madison County. This kindness also extended to animals.  She adopted many unwanted cats and dogs and would have loved her own rescued elephant!

Wanda introduced me to most of my social network in Athens. A group of us met every Friday night to unwind and set the world to rights. How I miss those Friday night dinners and calling in at Blue Moon Books afterwards. One of my most treasured photographs is the one of four of us on that freezing boat trip in memory of her brother Joel – it is on my bureau. Wanda occupies a place in my heart that can never be filled. 


Wanda was such a blessing to all in the Wilcox family. She did a lot of research in the family history & shared with us. My mother. Lorraine Grooms, requested that Wanda give the eulogy at her funeral & when that time came, Wanda did such a wonderful job.  Wanda shared a love of animals that seems to run in the Wilcox family as well. She will be very missed.

I can't believe it.  I had no idea and now I can't believe it.  You showed me how important it is to be empathetic and to allow people to just be themselves and love them no matter what.  And you didn't tell me about it.  I learned it from you by seeing you do it!  And the lesson revealed itself to me as you lived your life and our brief encounters over these last 20 or so years.  I love you, Wanda.  I love you so much.  Thank you for helping to make me the man I hope I can be.

Wanda and I dated in high school. We went to the Jr/Sr prom our junior year, and the military ball for the ROTC unit.   I spent many evenings on her front porch just talking.  How she wanted to be a missionary, and I was destined for the military.  She was a wonderful caring person that loved everyone.  We lost touch when I joined the navy, my fault.  Anyone she met was better for it. 

I sent this email to Wanda in 2020. I don’t know if she got it or not, but I hope she did: 

Hello Wanda,

Its been too long since I have been in touch. Just this weekend I was talking about my spiritual journey with a friend and of course you came up. I told him that taking your class was a turning point in my life and that it was you who had set me free and given me peace. The spiritual life is a journey I now enjoy and it has opened my mind and heart to so much that life has to offer. I owe a great deal of my happiness and wellbeing to you and I wanted to tell you thank you and that I am forever grateful. 

Sincerely and with much love, 

Davki Amin

I met Wanda in high school, home room was set up by last names and both our names start with a W. I didn’t stay in touch with her after we graduated and went off to college . My number one memory of her was her kindness. Wanda would take time to listen to you and would help if she could. 
She had a positive personality and a beautiful smile. Praying for her family and friends.

We met at Shorter College where we were both students. We were close friends and shared so much.  Time and distance separated us, but, in our hearts we shared a deep and abiding love, respect and concern for each other. 

I will remember her forever.   

I’ve known Wanda since junior high, both in our youth group at church and at school. We were both BSU Summer Missionaries in the Summer of 1979, although I went to Kansas and she went to Malawi. We were also at Southwestern Seminary together for a while and hung out together a bit. After she transferred somewhere else (I don’t know where she finished her Masters) we lost touch until the advent of Facebook. She was a delightful person, so kind and so encouraging. I was hoping to get together with her one day, but I guess the reunion I have to be in heaven.

I was a student of Wanda's at UGA. I took five of her classes over the course of my time as an undergrad, and I truly don't have the words to express how much she meant to me. She was a complex, beautiful person whose empathy was a shining example to everyone who knew her. Wanda was a safe place for so many, and she will be dearly missed.

Wanda was deeply appreciated and treasured by our Department of Religion for her advisement of students, course instruction, and friendship and collegiality. She is still valued and will be dearly missed.


Such a beautiful person.   I always will remember our great conversations in the Religion office.    She brightened my day always and also was so kind to my daughter while she was in school.   I know that Wanda will be greatly missed by many.

OBITUARY

Wanda Faye Wilcox

February 3, 1958 – January 28, 2022

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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