Wanda Ballard Daughtry

Wanda Ollette Ballard, the fourth born child of the late Ollie Lindsey Ballard and Roberta Taylor Ballard was born on October 2, 1954, in Charlotte, North Carolina. She fell asleep in Yeshua, Jesus Christ, on March 12, 2023, at the age of sixty-eight at Virginia Hospital Center surrounded by family and friends at her bedside expressing great love and prayers. On March 8, 2022, Wanda experienced a sudden fall which led to numerous health complications. For over a year, Wanda fought valiantly defying medical odds.

Wanda Ollette was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System where she graduated from South Mecklenburg High School in 1972. She attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing with a concentration in Cardiology Studies in 1976. Three years later, Wanda became a Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) upon completion of the American Nursing Association certification program.

Wanda continued her studies at The Catholic University of America where she earned her Master of Science Degree in Nursing with a concentration in Cardiovascular Nursing Management. While at Catholic University, Wanda was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society of nurses. In 2006, Wanda obtained her certification as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC). Wanda attended the American College of Healthcare Sciences where she received her certification as a Holistic Nutrition Consultant in 2015 focusing on wellness and healing of chronic illnesses through natural remedies. Wanda thoroughly enjoyed learning about the use and health benefits of essential oils and phototherapy patches.

Wanda began her professional career in 1976 as an Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse (ICU RN) at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. While working as an ICU RN, Nurse Wanda cared for a patient name Mrs. Ethal Daughtry. Little did she know she was caring for her future Mother-in-Law. While caring for Mrs. Ethal Daughtry, Wanda met Mrs. Ethal Daughtry’s son, her future husband, John Washington Daughtry, Jr.

After only a short time of courtship, with John Washington’s persistence and Wanda Ollette’s dream confirmation from God that this was her husband, the two united in holy matrimony on August 26, 1978, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Wanda and John joyfully brought forth three beautiful children: Crystal Michelle, Michael Lindsey, and Keisha Nicole. They raised their family in the Washington, D.C. area prior to relocating to Prince George’s County in 2002.

As a wife, mother and healthcare professional, Wanda continued to advance in her career and was promoted to the Head Supervising ICU Nurse at Washington Hospital Center. With all her wisdom and expertise, Wanda was presented with an opportunity to lead in opening the very first Cardiology Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C. serving as the Unit Nurse Manager. As the Nurse Manager, Wanda helped to open one of the first in-house units and cardiac catheterization labs for cardiology patients. Throughout her medical professional career, Wanda had many exciting opportunities including traveling to Japan to receive international training for Cardiac Nursing. Wanda officially retired from her professional medical career in March 2021 and began her lifelong dream of full-time ministry service.

Wanda had a pure, strong love for Yehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Daughtry family joined Harvest Church International in 1989 which later became Integrity Church International. For over thirty-four years, Wanda faithfully served under the leadership of Prophet Apostle Dr. Emma Jean Thompson and Apostle James J. Thompson. Under her pastoral leadership, she was ordained as a licensed Minster and Exhorter of the Gospel of Yeshua.

Minister Wanda enjoyed faithfully serving in the ministry as a member of the Judah Call Choir, Care Group Leader, member of Regional Care, Marriage and Personal Counseling, traveling for ministry missions, as well as praying and visiting with ones during hospital and home visits. Minister Wanda was the Director of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry and was appointed as the Chief Intercessor. She took her service to Yehovah and to her Prophet Leader very seriously while simultaneously having great joy in doing so.

Minister Wanda, known as a “straight shooter”, was one who deeply loved people while not sugar-coating yet always doing everything out of a heart of love and truth. She had a great sense of humor and was truly a unique, one-of-a-kind woman of Yehovah. Minister Wanda was a true worshiper and instilled in her children to have a personal relationship with God and strong prayer life such that they know Him for themselves.

Through various trials and tribulations, Minister Wanda vowed to always find the good in every situation knowing that with Yehovah on her side she would make it through victoriously. She was truly a woman with unwavering faith and anchored strength.

Minister Wanda is preceded in death by her loving parents Ollie and Roberta Ballard, beloved husband John Washington Daughtry, Jr., her son Michael Lindsey Daughtry, and her great-niece Briana Watts.

Minister Wanda fought a good fight and victoriously finished her course leaving a great, rich legacy. She leaves to cherish her memory her Daughters: Crystal Michelle Daughtry and Keisha Nicole Daughtry; Grandson: Michael Anthony Sherman Daughtry; Granddaughter: Myanni Alysse Daughtry; Sisters: Shelia Withers, Martha Carson and Cynthia Ballard; Brother: Ollie Ballard; Nephews: Brian Watts, Gary Watts, Jr. and Jerome Withers; Niece: Caitlin Ballard; Great Nephews: Gary Cortez Watts, Gary Justin Watts and Jackson Withers.

Minster Wanda also leaves to cherish her memory a host of assembly family members, friends, co-workers, associates, and many wonderful people she met along her beautiful journey.