Wanda Lee Beene

Wanda Lee (Dodson) Beene passed away peacefully in her sleep to her Heavenly reward on November 2, 2021 in Dallas, Texas after living a full life of serving God and others. She was 89.

Wanda was born on January 7, 1932 in Vickery, Texas to Virgil Ryan Dodson Sr. and Sadie Graham Dodson. She is survived by her son Gary Beene and his wife Margaret, son Robert Beene and his wife Karen, and her grandsons Garrett and Collin who were the light and joy of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Ruby Dodson Decker and her nephew, Jerry Decker.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Thomas Garrett Beene; mother, Sadie Dodson; father, Virgil Dodson; brother, Virgil Ryan Dodson Jr., and sisters, Mary Dodson Kranska, Edith Dodson Gillian, and Cleo Dodson.

Wanda attended Crozier Tech High School in Dallas. After graduation, she worked for the phone company and for Dallas County as a clerk in the Court House. She worked for the Dallas County Elections Department as an election official for 10 straight presidential elections. But the job she enjoyed the most was being a substitute teacher and a cafeteria monitor for Dallas Christian High School and for Garland Independent School District. She was a favorite among the students who enjoyed and respected her "old –fashioned" and "no non-sense" approach.

Wanda had many interest and hobbies that included watching western movies and television series, country and western music, Dallas Cowboys football, and playing cards and dominoes. She enjoyed coloring and working crossword puzzles. She was an ardent fan of her sons' and grandsons' sports teams. Her enthusiasm for the Dallas Christian Chargers during Rob's time there led to her being named "Chargers #1 Fan". This was a distinction she accepted and displayed with pride. She was also an excellent cook. She was known for her sweet tea and banana pudding.

Most importantly, Wanda loved Jesus and she showed it by being an active member of the Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland, Texas for over 50 years. She was passionate about helping people and wanted them to know they were loved. Wanda served in many roles at Saturn Road. She volunteered in cradle role, on visitation teams, cooked meals for those in need, and visited those shut in at home and in the hospital. She attended ladies class regularly and was a participant in the CPR (Care, Play, Read) program. She was never idle, always looking for ways to help and serve.

She was a dear and true friend who was loved by many. She was a rock for her family.

She will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace, Wanda Lee Beene