Wanda Jo Young

Wanda Jo Young wife mother grandmother and great grandmother was born in Lindsay, Oklahoma January 10, 1933. Like many people of that era she moved to California for several years before returning to Oklahoma where she met her husband Gene Young.

They were married in November 1957. The following year they welcomed their first child Sherrie and the next year their second child Louella. Gene was an Oklahoma City Fire fighter and together they entered the family business owning and operating many various restaurants in South Oklahoma City.

In the 60’s Wanda wanted to try a new venture utilizing her talents making others look beautiful as a hair-stylist. During her training in cosmetology school, they welcomed their 3rd child, son George. She continued in her career for the next 30 years.

In 1972 after Gene’s retirement the family moved to Eufaula Oklahoma to enjoy county living and the recreation of the lake. During this time Wanda enjoyed gardening and raising her children.

After tragically losing her husband Gene in farming accident Wanda returned to her profession to provide for her family. Wanda found a welcoming community at what is now known as The Light House Church. It was there where her friendship with AW Burns became a romance and they were wed in 1978. They had the opportunity to spend several happy years together before his passing in 1988. His large family took her in as one of their own. AW’s niece Ivonne became one of Wanda’s best friends and business partner for many years.

In 1992 she made the difficult decision to return to Oklahoma City to be close to her children and grandchildren to enjoy retirement with her family.

For the next 20 years she lived independently but was seldom alone constantly hosting, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of who she dearly loved and the loved was greatly reciprocated.

After all the grand children were raised, she chose to find a place where she would be with people who became friends including her good friends Bonnie and Jim, as well as many of the other residents and staff of Teal Ridge Retirement Community.

Wanda was preceded in death by her mother Alice; father Virgil, her siblings Fayne, WC and Velma; her husband Gene and second husband AW; her daughter Louella and granddaughters Kimberly and Sabrina.

She is survived by her children; Sherrie and husband Kenny; George and wife Kelli and son-in-law Clifford Sherriff.

Her grandchildren; Lindsey and husband Shane; Randy and wife Lacy; Shelbi and Taylor.

Her great-grandchildren; Gabe, Nevaeh, Lily, Abigail, Lucy, Rider and Cameron along with a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.