Wanda Ambrose

It is with great sadness that the family of Wanda Ambrose announces her passing at the age of 74. Wanda passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. She was born in Durham, the daughter of the late Zachariah Robert Downey, Jr. and Lillie Mae Bowen. Wanda was the beloved niece of Myrtle B. and J.O. Strayhorn. In addition to her parents, Wanda is also predeceased by her husband, Brian Raymond Ambrose.
Wanda lived a full life and was devoted to her family. She was always open and generous with her time who never met a stranger and was loved by all. For those that knew her and to her family, she was always uplifting, providing a smile or a joke in a time of need. She loved music and dancing and was known to clog at the NC State Fair in her earlier years. Wanda was also loved by those with whom she worked at IBM in Research Triangle Park, where she retired after 30 years of faithful service.
She was devoted to her family and is survived by her son, Heath, his wife, Christie Deihl Ambrose and her daughter, Christy Ambrose Scoggins as well as her grandchildren: Joseph Ambrose; Cypress Smith; Emily Ambrose; Christopher Smith; and Taylor Scoggins.
Wanda was a beacon of light for those who knew her and typified the words of the late author C.S. Lewis, who said, "Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything."
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. They will receive friends on the evening of Wednesday, July 19th, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Clements Funeral Home in Durham. A funeral service will take place at Clements Funeral Chapel in Durham on Thursday, July 20th at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor David Akers officiating. The burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Durham.
Online condolences may be made at https://www.clementsfuneralservice.com/.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Wanda, please visit our Tree Store or plant a tree.