Wanda L. (Parker) Garner

Wanda Lazell Garner, 75, of Crossett, passed away at her home, on Sunday, March 13, 2022.  She was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, on September 27, 1946, to her parents, Alvin and Blondell Williams Parker and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Crossett.

Wanda grew up in El Dorado and was a 1964 graduate of El Dorado High School.  After high school, she began pursuing her dream.  A dream to become a nurse.  This decision not only affected her life, but the lives of the countless patients she treated over the next forty plus years. 

Wanda began in the fall of 1964, as a student at the Warner Brown School of Nursing.  After only one year, the school closed, and she quickly registered for the first class in the El Dorado Vo-tech School’s Licensed Practical Nurse Program.  She graduated as an LPN in 1965 and started a career at the Crossett Hospital in 1966.  Determined to reach her education goals, she persisted with two more years at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, graduating with an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing in 1970.

Nursing was never just a career for Wanda, it was a calling.  She cared for the newborn babies and the elderly, the extremely sick and the broken.  She had hands that comforted the dying and shoulders to catch the tears of families. 

She was not just someone who tended to the sick, she cared for the living, and in such a profound way that so many of those she touched will never forget.

Wanda loved being outdoors, especially working in her flowers and fishing.  Her love for the Lord, Jesus Christ, and her family was unmistakable.  She was a thinker, an outspoken strong woman, and a survivor who fought unequivocally til the end.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and leaves behind one son, Scott Garner (Angel) of Savannah, TN; and one daughter, Kami Taylor (Andy) of Crossett; along with one brother, Pat Parker (Janie); and one sister, B.J. Pritchard all of Shreveport, LA; and three grandchildren, Sydney and Seth Garner both of Savannah, TN, and Parker Taylor of Crossett.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 16th, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett, with Bro. Jamie Staley, officiating, followed by a visitation with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the “Hope at Home” organization and the Crossett Canine Rescue Shelter.

Wanda’s children would like to sincerely express their gratitude to their aunt, B.J. who selflessly cared for Wanda the past few weeks and, of course, the amazing hospice nurses.  May God bless you for your kindness.

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