Wanda Dabney

Wanda Lee Patterson Dabney-Wright, born on October 19, 1938, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at the home of her daughter in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Carlie Purkey Patterson; her first husband and father of her children, Robert A. Dabney Sr.; her son, Robert A. Dabney Jr.; her daughter, Barbara Kay Burns; son-in-law, Wayne Kiggans; and her siblings, Mary Ward and Thomas Patterson.
She is survived by her loving husband, Boyd Wright of Clinton; her daughter, Janet Dabney Kiggans (Neal Rountree) of Knoxville; grandson, Derek Kiggans (Darby Barks) of Knoxville; granddaughter, Shanna Wilhite (John) of Knoxville; son-in-law, David Burns, and grandson, Shawn, of Chattanooga. Step-daughter Brenda Huckaby (Carl) of Clinton.
Wanda was also the proud great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren: Peyton, Shelby, Chloe, Madison, and Emma Kiggans of Knoxville; and Isaac, Isaiah, and Jacob Wilhite of Knoxville.
Wanda graduated Clinton High School in 1957 and went on to work for AT&T as an operator, retiring in October 1996 after a long and dedicated career.
Wanda was a woman of strong faith. She was a devoted member of Clinch River Baptist Church, where she loved singing in the choir for many years. After her second marriage, she moved her membership to Grace Baptist Church in Wolf Valley and continued to grow in her faith.
She was known for her kindness, creativity, sass, and deep love for her family. Wanda had a special gift for making everyone feel welcomed and cared for. Her wit could make you laugh, and her heart could make you feel at home. Her creativity shone through in her cooking, gardening, and the joyful touches she brought to everyday life.
Wanda shared a beautiful and pure love with her husband, Boyd. Their relationship was one of deep devotion, quiet strength, and mutual care. Boyd was a faithful and loving partner, who tenderly cared for Wanda through her final years with patience, dignity, and boundless love.
Together, they were well known in their community for the fresh vegetables they grew and sold from their garden. Sundays were often spent with family, gathered around the table for fish fries and stories, enjoying the bounty of their garden and their fishing trips. Wanda also bowled for many years as part of a local team, a pastime she enjoyed greatly until her health began to decline.
Wanda's life was a reflection of grace, warmth, and resilience. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Receiving of friends will be from 5:00 -7:00 PM on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A funeral service will begin at 7:00 PM with Rev. Allen Giles officiating. Friends and family will meet at Oak Ridge Memorial Park on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, for an 11:00 AM graveside service.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Holleygamble.com
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