Wanda Lee Atwood

Wanda Lee Howard Atwood, “Penny”, born in Austin, Texas on May 25,1960 to Harvey Wayne Howard Jr. and Eva Lucille Smith Howard. She attended elementary school in Saginaw, Michigan; Porter Middle School in Austin, Texas; and, Jack C. Hays High School in Buda, Texas. Wanda was baptized at an early age in Saginaw, Michigan. From her marriage to James Atwood in 1978, they were blessed with two children, Richard and Jennifer.

Wanda united with Zion Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Hugh Smith in the 1970s. She gave of her time to assist with the youth department, women’s ministries, and choir. Wanda was a featured soloist on many church programs. She followed behind the family legacy of her grandfather, Harvey “Daddy Pap” Howard Sr., who was known for his eloquent singing of old hymns. Wanda sang acapella with ease; her voice was so prolific, there was no need for a microphone. Music ministers Gloria Stewart and Patrice McCauley were adamant about Wanda singing on special programs. However, her passion was working with the Sunshine Band children.

Wanda worked many years for Austin Independent School District at various campuses and at the district office, where she oversaw campus budgets and provided oversight for many grants before retirement.

If you knew Wanda, you know the title she was most proud of was mother and grandmother!  “Nan,” as she was referred to, had a special nickname for each of her grandkids! Her love for her children and grandchildren was known and felt. If you knew Wanda, you knew she didn’t play about those kids!  She would give her last to make sure the kids and grandkids had everything! One of the greatest joys most recently was watching her oldest grand-daughter Hailey play collegiate Division 1 basketball and graduate from college.

Wanda was preceded in death by: parents, Harvey Howard Jr. and Eva Lucille Howard; and brother Charles Ray Howard.

Left to cherish her memories:  son, Richard D. Atwood; Jennifer N. Atwood Lewis (Laro), daughter; grandchildren - Hailey (Raquel), Trey, Carter, Avery, Aubrey, Josh, Jay, Julian, Nate, Auja, Nah-Jai, Little Avery;  aunt, Rhonda Hodge (Bruce); sister-in-law, Barbara Howard; niece, Charldrae (Joseph); nephew, Charles Jr (Sally); great-nephews and niece: Devon, Deacon, and Bailey; Special cousins: Tomi, Treasure, Wanda, Hattie, Steve, Edwin, Carol, Dion, DeeDee, Charlotte, Wesley, Gregory, Bradley; Special friends: Lois Coleman, and Florence Henderson. Wanda also left behind numerous cousins and friends, each who had a special place in her heart.

Special thanks to:  Flay Harris, Annette Gregory, Dawnitra Allen, and Floretta Andrews. We want to give special thanks to Kimberly Satterwhite-Moore, Rhonda Hodge, Raquel Gonzales, Latecia Washington, Shay Taylor, Beacon Hospice, and the Zion Rest Church Family, as well as the many others who visited or sent prayers and checked on the family during this time.

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