Wanda Faye Anthony

On May 25, 2025, our beloved matriarch, Wanda Faye Willis Anthony, transitioned peacefully into eternal rest at her home in Missouri City, Texas. Born on March 30, 1958, in St. Louis, Missouri, Wanda graced the world with a radiant spirit that shined through every role she held: daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, First Lady, and faithful servant of Christ.
Wanda was the cherished daughter of the late Rev. R.W. Willis and Mozel Vogel Willis. Raised in the heart of St. Louis, she graduated from Central High School with grace and determination, later pursuing higher education at Florissant Valley Community College and Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO-where she deepened her knowledge and fortified her dreams.
She was joined in holy matrimony on August 25th, 1979 to Rev. Cornelius Anthony Sr., at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church. Together they shared 45 years of love, ministry, and unwavering commitment. As a couple, they walked boldly in their calling, with Wanda serving as the devoted First Lady of New Hope Baptist Church in Sparta, IL, later at New Progressive Baptist Church in Ann Arbor, MI and lastly Christian Culture Church in Ypsilanti, MI. In these sacred spaces, she nurtured souls, uplifted her community, and stood as a steady, prayerful presence beside her husband and congregation.
She was preceded in death by her loving siblings Carl Willis, Kenneth Willis, Shelia Willis, and Pamela Willis-reunited with them now in glory. Her love continues on through her surviving children: Cornelius Anthony Jr., Seneca Elizabeth Anthony, and Latasha Cauley, as well as her beloved grandchildren: Janiya Burns, Kendall Burns, Cornelius Anthony III, Carter Anthony, Christian Anthony, Dante Rojas, Saint Cruzado, and Prince Cruzado. She was also blessed to welcome her great-grandson, Amir Burns, who brought joy to her later years.
She also leaves to cherish her memory her daughter-in-law, LaTika Anthony.
A proud and devoted aunt, Wanda helped raise and pour into a multitude of nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own: Kenny Willis Jr, Deollo Brown, Tellowe Warren, Faraji Anthony, Tony Burton, Andrew Burton, Levy Anthony Jr, Lawrence Anthony, Keondre Anthony, Gerald Anthony Jr, Jair Anthony, Jeremiah Anthony, Orlando Willis, Judie Neal, Farasha Wallace, and Rukiya Anthony-and a host of great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws who will carry her legacy with pride.
She also shared a close bond with her in-laws, including: Rev. Sammie Lee Anthony and Dianne Anthony, Rev. L.J. Anthony & Virginia Anthony Dr. Levy Anthony and Phyllis Anthony, Mary Burton, Rev. Kevin Anthony and Lillian Anthony, Eric Anthony, Julius Bernard Anthony, and Gerald Anthony and Nicole Gibson
Wanda had the kind of spirit you don't forget. She gave selflessly, especially to children and anyone in need. She loved spending quality time with her daughter and grandchildren, cooking family meals that warmed your soul, and baking her famous brownies. She could sew a hem like nobody's business, and you could often catch her enjoying a good classic movie or a Lifetime drama with a sweet smile on her face.
Most importantly, Wanda was a lifelong believer in Jesus Christ. Her walk with the Lord was evident in how she lived-with compassion, grace, humility, and unwavering faith. She poured into others even when her own cup was low, and she never hesitated to offer comfort, prayer, or a warm embrace.
Her physical presence may be gone, but her spirit lives on in every stitch of fabric she touched, every recipe passed down, every life she lifted with her love. Her legacy is one of devotion-to God, to family, and to the betterment of others.
Rest well, Nana. Your work here is done
To send a flower arrangement in memory of
Wanda Faye Anthony, please click here to visit our sympathy store.