Wanda Moore Calhoun

Wanda Moore Calhoun

Wanda Moore Calhoun, 78, of Johns Creek, Georgia, and a former longtime resident of Duluth and Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her residence on February 19, 2026. Born on June 26, 1947, in Jackson, Mississippi, Wanda was the daughter of James Robert Moore and Auline Hill Moore. She spent her childhood in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where her father served as Dean of Students at Arkansas State University.

From an early age, Wanda's life was enriched by faith, music, and learning. She was active at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, where she discovered and nurtured her lifelong love of music, developing her talents as a singer and pianist. After graduating from Jonesboro High School in 1965, she attended Arkansas State, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in education. During her college years, she even took up fencing-one of many pursuits that reflected her curiosity and willingness to try new things. It was also in college, at the campus recreation center, that she met her future husband, William Robert "Bob" Calhoun.

Wanda and Bob were married on January 22, 1969. Following college graduation, they moved to Searcy, Arkansas, where Bob began his broadcasting career at a local radio station and Wanda embarked on what would become a long and meaningful career in elementary education. Their journey together took them next to Seminole, Texas, then Plano, Texas, before they ultimately relocated to Georgia in 1973, settling first in Chamblee. There, they became active members of First Baptist Chamblee and formed cherished friendships that they maintained over the years.

A few years later, the Calhouns purchased their first home in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and welcomed their daughter, Christi Lynn Calhoun. The family later joined Mount Zion Baptist Church in Snellville, where they were members for nearly 30 years. Wanda sang in the church choir, sharing her gift of music with her congregation. Her signature song, "Oh Holy Night," became a beloved tradition, which she performed as a soloist each Christmas season.

Wanda dedicated her professional life to teaching, serving for almost 30 years with Gwinnett County Schools. She taught second grade at Minor Elementary, Lawrenceville Elementary, and Benefield Elementary, where she was deeply loved by her students. Known for her warmth, patience, and firmness, Wanda especially delighted in reading aloud, creating theme units and incorporating songs into her lessons. She instilled in her students a love of learning that extended well beyond the classroom.

After retiring from teaching in 2004, Wanda devoted her time to music and community. She sang with several local choral groups, including the Gwinnett Choral Guild, BJ Chorale, and Georgia Baptist Jubalheirs, and the Gwinnett Symphony Chorus. She treasured her involvement in The Red Hat Society, book clubs, and retired-teacher outings.

Wanda was a devoted and loving grandmother to Christi and her husband Matt's three children. Affectionately known as "Grammy," she was deeply involved in their lives and education, spending countless hours singing, reading, and helping with homeschooling. Her grandchildren were among her greatest joys, and she leaves a lasting legacy with her support to them becoming involved in the performing arts, including choir, ballet, and theatre.

In her later years, Wanda was known as an exceptional gift giver who delighted in shopping for others, often discovering the perfect item-frequently from the QVC shopping channel. She also enjoyed reading, watching Hallmark movies, and embracing any opportunity for a social outing.

Wanda's love of music traveled with her. She sang along with a folk guitarist in a pub in Ireland, performed with a singing group at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont, and developed a fondness for Hawaiian music-where, on a trip to Hawaii, she insisted on being called "Wanaka." On road trips, the crossing of major rivers would sometimes inspire her to sing, such as "Old Man River" when crossing the Mississippi and "Suwannee River" when driving through Florida.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, William Robert Calhoun; her parents, Robert and Auline Moore; and her sister, Doris Moore Curtis. She is survived by her daughter and son in law, Christi and Matthew King of Johns Creek, Georgia; grandchildren, Landry King, Barrett King, and Clara Grace King, also of Johns Creek; and niece Joanne Curtis, of Seattle, Washington.

The family extends special thanks to caretakers Helen, Kemi, and Shirley, hospice nurse Fanie, and the staff members at Alto Senior Loving and Sunrise Senior Living for the compassionate and loving care they provided Wanda during her final months.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Wanda's memory would best be honored by supporting local music ministries, reading aloud to children, or spending extra time with a student going through learning challenges.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 PM at Tom M. Wages Funeral Home, 120 Scenic Highway South, Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Family visitation will be held from 12-2 PM with a reception immediately following the service. A private burial will occur immediately after at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens alongside Wanda's beloved husband. The family encourages guests to celebrate Wanda by wearing joyful colors to the service.