1930 2015

Wanda Jane White passed away December 1, 2015 in Lake Jackson, Texas. The longtime resident of Freeport and Jones Creek was 85. She was born Wanda Jane Erskine on January 4, 1930 in Stranger, Texas. Raised on a family farm, she was surrounded by animals. This would be true for her entire life. Whether it was a dog in her lap, a cat at her feet, or wounded animal needing help, animals always found their way to Wanda and she loved them all.

At age 12 she moved with her family to Freeport, Texas in 1942. Wanda spent much of her teen years at the local movie theatre enthralled by the tales she watched and eagerly awaiting the next one. This served her well in her life, as she was a natural and engaging storyteller. She loved sharing a good story.

In 1948 she married the love of her life, Marvin "Bob" White. Theirs was a marriage filled with fun and laughter, and their home a place that everyone enjoyed.

In 1948 Wanda began her career as a bookkeeper at Wright Chevrolet, which later became Polk Chevrolet, and ultimately Leo Martin Chevrolet. She eventually managed the back office at Polk, where she became a favorite of co-workers and customers alike. Wanda formed many friendships at Polk that endured for the rest of her life, and none were more valuable than the friendship she formed with Doris Mize Morgan. Doris and Wanda went everywhere and shared everything. Doris' daughter, Nancy, became the daughter that Wanda never had and they shared a bond that lasted the rest of her life.

Wanda's career took her on a path from the Chevrolet dealership to managing the office of a stainless distributor, to running her own feed store, her own video rental store, and eventually helping elderly people adapt to life at Hearthstone (Elmcroft) Assisted Living Center. There was one constant throughout her life, Wanda surrounded by people. Wanda was a playful, engaging conversationalist, and her sense of humor and infectious laugh drew people to her. She and Bob were favorites of friends and family and were loved by many, especially their many nieces and nephews who fondly remember the wonderful Christmases and other times at their home. When Wanda passed away peacefully, she left countless people with warm memories that will endure.

The family would like to thank the staff members and many friends at Elmcroft Assisted Living, Oak Village Healthcare, and Heart to Heart Hospice, who helped make the most of Wanda's last few years. They would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for all of the kindness and consideration that Nancy and Howard Armstrong have given Wanda and Bob over the long years of their friendship. The love, energy and effort that Nancy put into Wanda's care cannot be overstated, and it is appreciated beyond words.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Bob White, her twin brother Wayne Erskine, and her older brother Herbert Erskine. She is survived by her sister, Doris Jensen; sister-in-law, Jan Erskine; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Erskine; and many adoring nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Services will be held on Friday, December 4, 2015 at Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church, 231 Gulf Prairie Road, Jones Creek, Texas. Visitation is at 11am and services at noon.