Wanda "Dottie" James
Wanda Carolyn Garner James, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 2, 2025 at the age of 82 in Palestine, Texas. Born at home in Bradford, Texas on December 16, 1942, Wanda lived a life filled with service, laughter, and love.
A proud graduate of Cayuga High School, Wanda played on the ladies basketball team and carried that same team spirit and determination throughout her life. She married the love of her life, Curtis Ogden James, on September 3, 1961, and together they raised four children: Curtis Keith, Kelvin Bryan, Stephanie Michelle, and Stacie Medeana. Wanda was a steadfast and supportive mother, always present at her children's school functions and activities. Over the years, many of their friends came to know and love her simply as "Mom." Wanda dedicated nearly 30 years to the Westwood Independent School District as a school bus driver, faithfully and safely transporting generations of students. During the summers, she could be found painting classrooms, bringing a bit of brightness and care to the school she loved. Known for her tough love and big heart, she earned the respect and affection of those she served—even those kids who may not have appreciated her strict standards when they were students came to admire her when it was their children she was transporting. She never met a stranger and had the remarkable gift of connection—whether in the school halls, at garage sales, or on lengthy visits to Walmart where she would stop to chat with everyone she recognized. Her warmth, wit, and down-to-earth charm made her unforgettable. Wanda was deeply devoted to her grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. She was famous for cooking their favorite meals—especially her legendary chicken and dumplings and peach cobbler. Even during her time in the nursing home, Wanda continued to care for others, offering a helping hand during meals and brightening the day of staff and fellow residents alike. Wanda touched countless lives with her generosity, humor, and open heart. She was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Marion Dewitt Garner and Jessie Trueheart Wilson, Garner, grandparents Willis George Garner and, Rebecca Ellen Smith Garner, George Thomas Wilson and Virginia Victoria Huddle Wilson, sisters, Lois Garner Cowan, Virginia Ellen Garner Binger, brothers, Roy Dewitt Garner, Cletus Cordell Garner, Clinton Ray Garner. She is survived by her daughters, Stacie Martin and Stephanie Weeks, sons, Keith James, and Kelvin James, sisters, Bonnie Ruth Garner Oliver, and Audrey Guinell Garner Comstock, a brother Nolan Arnold Garner, eleven grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and one great- great grandchild.
Services for Wanda Carolyn Garner James will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Bailey & Foster Chapel. Branden Szabo officiating. Burial will follow in Liberty Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey & Foster Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, May 9, 2025 at Bailey & Foster.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Andy James, Garrett Barnett, Ethan Hunt, Jake Harvey, Hunter Simpson, Hayden Simpson, Preston Eaves, and Harlin Warrington.
Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?
ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
Order any time up till the day before
MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM
SAT & SUN Order by noon
TUES-SAT
Order by 3:00PM
The day before
SAT & SUN Order by Saturday
Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.
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Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?
ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
Order any time up till the day before
MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM
SAT & SUN Order by noon
TUES-SAT
Order by 3:00PM
The day before
SAT & SUN Order by Saturday
Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.
Plant a tree: How does it work
When your purchase is complete, a post will be made on the tribute wall of the deceased signifying the planting of a memorial tree.
An official certificate recognizing your purchase will be included with your email receipt. You can then forward the email to the family or print it and give it to them personally.
After an order is placed, our forestry partners will plant the tree in the area of greatest need (nearest the funeral home), according to the planting schedule for the year.
Due to seasonal conditions, the tree planting takes place during the spring and summer.
Tree Planting Timeline
Orders placed in:
January - May
Planting will take place in Spring or Summer of the same year.
June - December
Planting will take place in Spring of the following year.
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