Wanda Lee Belew's Obituary
Wanda was born 74 years ago in St. Petersburg to Joseph Carlton and Emma Belew. Her older brother Elmer was 17 and her older sister Peggy was 14. Another sister, Ramona, passed away at a young age not long before Wanda was born.
Wanda is preceded in death by her father, brother, and mother. She is survived by her sister Peggy.
Coley, sister- in- law Margaret Belew, cousin Beverly Mills, three nephews Richard, Dennis, and David Coley, 3 nieces Sharon Mitchell, Carol Hayes and Nancy Smith, 11 grand nieces and nephews and 9 great- grand nieces and nephews. Wanda never married but had many children of the heart through her years of teaching. Wanda loved her family and prayed for each of them on a regular basis. Wanda lived the last 3 years of her life at Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living Facility.
Wanda graduated from Northeast High School. She attended local Bible colleges and Oral Roberts University from 1965-1970 where she majored in Religious Education and Social Studies. Wanda worked her way through college by working as a switchboard operator.
After college, Wanda lived at home with her mother and father until their passing in 1974 and 1993 respectively. Wanda was Director and teacher of the First Assembly/Suncoast Cathedral Childcare center in 1971. She was a member of Young Americans for Freedom, a non-partisan organization of young Conservatives who promoted fiscal responsibility and a return to Constitutional government. Wanda was an active member of the Republican Party; she campaigned for candidates in the Pinellas area and ran for mayor in 1975. Wanda was administrator and teacher at her own private Christian school, Christian Education Center, from 1981 to 2002 at various locations throughout St. Petersburg.
Wanda attended Open Bible Tabernacle until the early 70’s when her family transferred their membership to First Assembly/Suncoast Cathedral where Wanda faithfully worshipped for 43 years. Everyone that knew Wanda knew she loved the Lord, was a faithful prayer warrior, and loved missions. Wanda helped Jill Boothroyd lead bible studies at Magnolia Gardens and loved the worship services there led by Guy Cerro and by Harvest Temple.
The family wishes to particularly thank Beverly Mills for the years she attended to “Wanda Wednesdays” when Wanda was still living in her home, to Andrew Oakes, her neighbor who watched over her, to Dave and Linda Bussinger and Jim and Paula Sullivan for faithfully transporting Wanda to Silver Saints and Sunday services during her last years. We also appreciate any others that assisted that we might have missed.
Wanda’s family and friends rejoice knowing that she is with Jesus and reunited with her loved ones.
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