Wanda Simmons Funchess

1933 - 2024

Wanda Simmons Funchess, 90, of Beaumont, died Monday, April 8, 2024. She was born on December 9, 1933, in Ozona, Texas, to Elsie Jewel Saunders and Thomas Maurice Simmons.

Wanda was raised in the small town of Junction, Texas. In her teen years, she worked at the local Soda Fountain/Pharmacy. This is where, after graduating high school, she met her future husband, Hank Funchess. Hank was attending Texas A & M and was in Junction for summer school. Upon seeing Wanda, even before meeting her, he told his fellow classmates that she was his girl. She wondered why no other boys came over to talk to her. They were married in August 1954. After living in several different locations, they moved to Hank's hometown of Beaumont, Texas. This is where they would raise their four children and spend the rest of their lives.

Wanda had a very loving and giving heart. She would see a need or want and then proceed to meet it. This brought her great joy, as this was her way of expressing love and living her faith. She also loved to cook. She was part of the Kitchenettes of Calder Baptist Church where she helped with many luncheons and other gatherings over the years. She was well known for her amazing apple pie.

She loved her family with a deep passion. Of course, all of our gatherings involved a feast she lovingly prepared. Christmas Eve was her favorite when the entire family would gather together for dinner. At the last Christmas Eve spent together, there were at least 30 family members across four generations. She enjoyed hosting parties because she loved having her home full of people just enjoying being together.

Wanda was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her children, Jeanette Thompson and her husband, Mark; Tim Funchess and his wife, Karen; Richard Funchess and his wife, Becky; and Paul Funchess and his wife, Julie; grandchildren, Sarah Herod and her husband, Gabe; Tommy Funchess and his wife, Mandi; Katherine Hope; Johanna Harrison and her husband, Nick; Allison Funchess; Jennifer Funchess and her fiancé Mitch Fenbert; Ric Funchess; Audrey Roberts and her husband, Coleby; and Rachel Martin and her husband, Chase; great-grandchildren, Ashton Funchess, Thomas Hope, Emily Funchess, Molly Hope, Wyatt Funchess, Jonathan Hope, Elliot Harrison, Willa Funchess, Conor Harrison, and Jonah Harrison.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry "Hank" Bascom Funchess, III; and siblings, Melba Grayson, Ronald Simmons, and James Simmons.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her caregivers, Summer, Felicia, Linda, Lavonna, and Connie.

Memorial contributions for Mrs. Funchess may be made to Calder Baptist Church - Wanda Funchess' Memorial, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702 or The Symphony League of Beaumont, 4345 Phelan Boulevard #105, Beaumont, Texas 77707.

A gathering of Mrs. Funchess' family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 15, 2024, at Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, with her interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.