Wanda Emde

On November 3rd, 2023, Wanda Emde, loving wife and mother, passed away at the home of her daughter’s in Searcy. Wanda Mary Lou Munger was born to Elvin and Katy (White) Munger in McFadden, Arkansas on September 27, 1934. Wanda was the eldest daughter of five siblings living in and around the Hickory Ridge area. While in the 9th grade she moved to Bald Knob and graduated from BK High School in 1952. Wanda married Billy Wayne Emde on December 26, 1952, after a week of dating; Billy was her mother’s pick. They began married life in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where Bill was stationed while serving in the Navy. After Bill’s term of service ended, they moved back home to Bald Knob, where Wanda spent the majority of her life. In fact, she spent 62yrs at her home on Collison St. Wanda spent the last eight years of her life in Searcy, most of which were as a resident at Harding Place. Wanda and Bill’s home was a source of encouragement and support for countless children and adults over the years. They were a team in almost everything they did. They both actively served their community and were involved in numerous clubs, committees, service projects and good works. They were on the board of the Shady Grove Cemetery and worked many hours for the betterment of the cemetery. Wanda epitomized a Christian homemaker. After raising their daughters, they opened their home to a Japanese exchange student and a teacher from Thailand, both of which resided with them for the duration of a school year. After their retirement they enjoyed several Amtrak trips together. Wanda was a girl scout in her youth, which in turn led her to serve as a girl scout leader for 50 years. During her years of service with the girl scouts Wanda received several awards and was inducted into the Ouachita Girl Scout Council “Hall of Fame”. She was a charter member of the Bald Knob Extension Homemakers club that was founded in 1958. While being a part of Homemakers Wanda served in many offices and received numerous awards for her works. Wanda was awarded the “Citizen of Year” by the Bald Knob Chamber of Commerce in 1988. Furthering her good works Wanda established three scholarships to help students in obtaining higher education. The “Billy Wayne Emde Scholarship” and “Class of 1952 Scholarship” at Bald Knob High School and the “Single Parent Scholarship” for people in White County. She was very strong in her faith, attending the Bald Knob Church of Christ for over 68 years, where she taught bible class to children for generations. Wanda was an avid collector of Santas, she spent 50 years and amassed around 1,658 over the course of those years. During the holiday season, she would display them all throughout her home and invite the community to tour her home to see the collection. When Wanda moved to Searcy she donated a majority of her Santa collection to Holiday of Lights in Searcy. They are displayed at the Carmichael Center during the holiday season. This year some Santas will also be displayed at the state capital. Wanda loved and enjoyed being called “The Santa Lady”. During the latter part of her life Wanda’s eye site began to decline until she became completely blind. With the help of her loving husband Bill and her devoted sister, Elva, she was still able to continue with her many projects. Even with her limitation, Wanda was a lady of service. Wanda is survived by two daughters: Kathy Lawson (Gary) and Joy Jernigan (Joe) all of Searcy. Grandchildren: Christian Lawson and Raelyn Wiirre (Nathan). Great-grandsons are Collin Lawson, Adam and Nicholas Wiirre. A sister Elva Harper (who lived with and helped her after Bill passed away) and a brother, Samuel Munger. As well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends that she loved dearly. In addition to her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by Billy Emde, her husband of 57 years, granddaughter in-law Lisa Lawson, great grandson Ryder Lawson, her brothers W.C. “Dub” and George Munger. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel in Bald Knob with Gary Lawson and Jason Henley officiating. Interment will follow in the Shady Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob – Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers. We ask that donations be made to the Shady Grove Cemetery, P.O. Box 1365, Bald Knob, AR 72010

Wanda Emde

September 27, 1934 - November 3, 2023