Obituary for Wanda Kay Nelson
Born on June 18, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, Wanda was the daughter of Buck Smith and Lucille Ward. She was raised in Hollis, Oklahoma, where she learned the values that would guide her throughout her life-hard work, perseverance, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God. As a young girl, she spent long days chopping cotton in the Oklahoma fields, a testament to the determination and strong work ethic that became hallmarks of her character.
While Wanda was known for her dedication as an employee, she was even more admired for the kindness she extended to others. Throughout her life, she worked in a variety of positions, including as a door greeter at Walmart, in the kitchen at English Village, at Goodwill Industries, and as a collator at Bar-S Foods. Whether serving customers, coworkers, or friends, Wanda had a gift for making people feel welcomed and valued. Her warm smile and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Faith was the foundation of Wanda's life. She was a devoted Christian woman who loved the Lord wholeheartedly and sought to honor Him in both word and deed. She believed in the power of prayer, found comfort in God's promises, and faithfully attended church whenever she was able. Wanda's trust in the Lord carried her through life's joys and sorrows, and her quiet example of Christian love touched the lives of her family and friends. Her greatest desire was to share God's love through acts of kindness, encouragement, and service to others.
On May 27, 2000, Wanda married the love of her life, Rickey Nelson, at St. John Baptist Church in Altus, Oklahoma. Their marriage was built upon love, friendship, and a shared faith in God. Together they enjoyed life's simple pleasures-barbecues with family and friends, trips to the casino, cheering on the Oklahoma City Thunder, and spending evenings watching their favorite television programs, especially Family Feud and The Price Is Right. More than anything, they treasured the time they spent worshiping together and growing in their faith as husband and wife.
Wanda's greatest joy was her family. She loved deeply and gave freely of herself, always putting the needs of those she loved before her own. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and acceptance, and her family will forever cherish the memories they shared with her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Buck Smith and Lucille Ward; her son, Steven Bell; her daughter, Danita Means; siblings, Frances Beaver, Mildred Smith, Louise Smith, Tennessee Smith, Tommie Lee Smith, Albert Brooks, Mary Jo Smith, and her beloved grandson, Javier Bell
Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband, Rickey Nelson; her son, Murphy Bell; her daughter, Melinda Bell; her brother, Willie Brooks; her sister, Gloria Faye Sanders; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Though her family mourns her passing, they rejoice in knowing that Wanda's faith has become sight and that she now rests peacefully in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly.
The family will receive friends during public viewing from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Altus City Cemetery.
Services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Wanda Kay Nelson, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Funeral
Saturday
6
Jun
2:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
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