Wanda Purkey

Wanda Purkey, 91, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother and friend, transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on Monday, February 26, 2018.  She was born December 24, 1926, in Verdigris, OK to William Nathan and Rosy Florence (French) Dixon and was reared and educated in the Verdigris school system.  Following her education, she worked for several years in retail sales while continuing to develop her love of music and ministry at local church events and services.

On March 22, 1948, Wanda married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Bill Purkey.  Together they reared two sons, Mike and Mark, in their beloved community of Claremore, Ok where they owned and operated the Farmers Insurance Agency. Wanda was an excellent homemaker and loved taking care of her family.  She was a true southern cook and you could always count on comfort food being served at her table.

She was a loving wife and tremendous supporter and nurturer of her sons, seldom missing a basket ball game, football game or tennis match and was instrumental in helping both sons develop their love of music and encouraged their gifts with lessons, coaching and prayers.  Wanda was a godly mother who knew the importance of raising her sons in the ways of the Lord.  Through teaching and example she instilled in both of them a love for God and His Word. When Mike and Mark each felt called to go into ministry, she was beyond pleased and remained fervent supporters of their ministry endeavors.

On a personal level, she was active in her church, Claremore Assembly of God, serving as Sunday School teacher, church pianist and Youth Group Leader. Wanda looked at her church as a part of her own family and spent countless hours volunteering wherever she was needed.

In 1988, Wanda and Bill moved to the Kansas City, KS area to be near their older son, Mike and family.  After relocating, Wanda was an active member of Lenexa Christian Center, (now City Center Church), where her older son, Mike was senior pastor.  She seldom missed a service and you could always count on seeing Wanda sitting by Bill on the front row.  She loved giving hugs and words of encouragement at church and was a faithful member of the Oasis Senior Ministry.   This loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

Wanda is survived by her sons, Mike Purkey and wife, Mary, of Olathe, KS; Mark Purkey and wife, Susie, of Mustang, OK.  Grandchildren, Matt Purkey and wife, Jeannie; Jon Purkey and wife, Lisa, all of Lenexa, KS; Luke Purkey and wife, Andrea, and Lyndi Purkey, all of Mustang, OK.  She is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren:  Hannah, Harrison and Elizabeth Purkey (parents Matt and Jeannie), Jonathan, Jaxon and Brixton Purkey, (parents Jon and Lisa), and Beckham and Haven Purkey, (parents Luke and Andrea).  In addition, Wanda is survived by brother-n-law, Don, and wife, Marge, of Claremore, OK and a host of nieces and nephews.  Wanda was preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband of 64 years, Bill Purkey; sisters Bertha Fry, Mabel Foster-DeLay, Gladys Carter, Sarah Shelton, Wilma Smith and Edith Milikin; brothers Claude Dixon, Everett Dixon, Howard Dixon and Doty Dixon.

A visitation will be held at 10:00am, Monday, March 5th at City Center Church, with funeral service at 11:00am. Burial will immediately follow at the Johnson County Memorial Gardens.