Wanda was born August 19, 1924 in Forsyth County. She was the daughter of the late Reverend John H. Allran and Sarah Wilson Allran. Wanda grew up in the Methodist Church and later joined Marshville Baptist Church in Marshville, NC where she was an active member.
She attended Sherrills Ford High School in Sherrills Ford, NC where she graduated class of 1940 and was named valedictorian. At age of 16, Wanda rode the bus to Marshville, NC to become a nurse assistant for Dr. John P.U. McCloud, her cousin and local medical provider for that area. Here she met and married her husband of 44 years, John Tal Austin, Jr. Later, Wanda became a registered nurse and head of Dietary Management for Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, NC. In addition, she was employed for a number of years by Frances Shreve Jewelry located in the Charlotte Merchandise Mart.
Wanda’s passion for writing is observed through her many poems and stories. She also wrote an illustrated children’s book, “Lil Cricket” about the life and travels of her dog Cricket. This book was approved for publication. Her vast intellect in various fields took her in many interesting directions which included painting, creative sewing, and drawing of architectural plans for homes and restaurants.
Wanda was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a humble person and rejoiced in being able to help and take care of others during her life. Wanda’s humor, warmth, generosity, and loving spirit was inevitable in all her many conquests.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Tal Austin, Jr.; and a sister, Charlotte Allran Phifer.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Dawn Austin Wolfe and husband, Tony of Newton, NC; granddaughter, Brandy Corbett Fredell; and her great-granddaughter, Laramie Starr Fredell of Atlantic Beach, FL. She also leaves a niece, Carol Phifer Wright and her family of Peachland, NC and many cousins, extended family and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at Marshville Cemetery, Hwy 205 N., Marshville, NC with the Reverend Frank Crump officiating.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Brian Center East in Hickory, NC for her care and wellbeing for the past 6 years and to Hospice of Catawba County for their recent involvement of her care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Park Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, NC. 28209.
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