Wanda Arnette Williams

Our beautiful mother, devoted grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Wanda Arnette Williams left this earthly realm and entered the majestic gates of heaven on Monday, April 13, 2020 shortly before midnight at the age of 69. It would be wrong to say that Wanda lost her battle to a unrelenting illness because she never quit fighting. She fought on Faith, so it was effortless to her because her Faith was anchored in the Lord's promises. No matter how sick she was, no matter how great the pain had become, she remained stoically determined while taking on whatever God had in store for her without complaint. She was able to do this confidently as she believed everything had a purpose in life, the good and the bad. Through her we learned what perseverance and resilience looks like. When most would gave in or been broken, Wanda stayed strong and always encouraging as she rode the waves of her own storms with grace, dignity and elegance. There was no quit in Wanda, she didn't believe in that word and she never believed there was anything so bad that one could not be redeemed from. She would forgive you without the request of forgiveness, that was the beauty of her heart. er life lessons will continue to guide us as her memory and her spirit is alive in everyone who was blessed to have met her, even just once. Her smile would light up the room the moment she entered it, her grace was an example to follow, her strength was that to be enamoured by. She welcomed anyone in, encouraged and prayed for others often more than for herself. She was a confidant to everyone, her wisdom was immeasurable and anyone who emulated after her examples, surely would shine in God's favor. Her relationship with the Lord, was most important to her over everything. It was the way she lived, daily without cease or confliction, that shined the Light of the Lord, with no effort at all. Wanda, was born the 4th child to William C. Woodson and Wilma Woodson, whom both have proceeded her in death and have welcomed her home with open arms. She accepted the Lord, as her Savior at a very early age and joined the West End Church of the Nazarene under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Cashmere & Reverend Eddie Burnett Sr. She was baptized at the age of 13, shortly after joining the church, by Rev. Eddie Burnette Sr. It was here where she fell in love with the Lord and devoted her life to ensuring that the Lord was the most important foundation her children would go on to build their lives upon. Her life was concluded as a member of the Macedonia Baptist church under the leadership of the Reverend Jerry William Dailey. As a family we are truly grateful for the covering provided by the leadership of both of our church homes. She was a believer of education and was an intricate part of not only her children's successes, she also positively impacted the lives of her extended family. Wanda blessed the lives of all of her nieces, nephews, siblings, aunts, uncles and friends. She challenged the best out of you and was always your biggest supporter. She received her diploma from Fox Tech High School, here in San Antonio, Texas followed by receiving her Pharmacy Technician certification from St. Philip's college. She never stopped pursuing her education as she went back to school and attended SAC and St. Philip's college to receive her Associates Degree in Business Administration. She would go on to have an illustrious and professional career in fields where she serviced her community with a servant's heart. As a Pharmacy Tech & Er Tech at St. Luke's, she also worked on the Parole Board and served on the Grand Jury. There were two career paths that were dear to her heart and I know it was because she could give her whole heart to those who so desperately needed a " Wanda " kind of love. The first would be FEMA, as a Lead Claim Adjuster. She would leave for weeks at a time to serve on the front lines of the most devastated storms. She ensured that those in their most vulnerable and desperate state, received the aide that they needed. This I know was so rewarding for her as I can remember the stories she would recant when she came home, the pride and satisfaction of helping others was truly admirable. The second career path was her tenure at Audie Murphy Veteran's Hospital/Spinal Cord & Injury Center where she retired after 30 years. Alongside many talented doctor's, nurses, administrative staff members, Wanda was intricate to the development, operations and success of the Spinal Cord Injury service. It wasn't only what she did professionally for the department as she excelled and exceeded her pay grade. It was how she made the department " Feel", that was the most profound. You just felt the spirit of "Wanda" the moment you entered the area. You heard the sounds of joy and comfort that her voice would bring. You felt the love from the smile she could give you that instantly would reassure you that everything will be okay. She was the heartbeat, the spirit, the love of that unit and all her colleagues and patients sung her praises without cease. Wanda is preceded in death by her parents William C. Woodson and Wilma Woodson and her eldest brother Leonard Woodson. She is also proceeded in death by her husband of 41 years, Norman William, Jr. She is also proceeded in death by her two son-in-laws, that she loved as her own, Eric P. Hoilett (Dorothy) and Robert Vassar ( La Tonya). Wanda is survived by three devoted daughters, Dorothy Rochelle Hoilett, La Tonya Denise Vassar, and Tamikah Shavonne Lloyd. She was very proud of all 8 grandchildren Erica Hoilett, Elichia Hoilett, Erin Hoilett, Evonnah Hoilett, Randall Jones Jr., Qwynntin Jones, Keyerah Jones and Jasmine Jones. She was loved and survived by 13 great grandchildren and one on the way that she was blessed to know about. In addition to all of her biological children and grandchildren, Wanda adopted everyone, well everyone adopted her as a 2nd mother, a grandmother, auntie and friend. Wanda has a very special relationship with everyone and she went on to become a 2nd mother figure to her nephews William Brown and Wynton White, who affectionatly call her " Nanie". Wanda is survived by countless nieces and nephews who could count on " Aunt Wanda", no matter day or night she was available to encourage you and pray you through whatever troubled your heart. She has so many others who were blessed to be a coworker and a friend who the moment she met you, you became family. She was part of your lives as you were all part of ours. We all say thank you for loving on our mom and for all of the support and encouragement that you have poured over our family. Special thanks to the many friends of the family who have supported us through the hospitalizations, rehabs, therapies home visits, lunches prepared, prayers, daily check-ins. We all appreciate everything you have done and continue to do. To our employer's Hulu and Methodist Hospital, your support has been phenomenal and appreciated. Thank you.