Wanda Parris Lewis

Wanda Parris Lewis, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025, in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Born June 24, 1936, in Rockwood, Tennessee, she spent most of her life in the Chattanooga area, surrounded by the family and mountains she held dear.

She was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Parris; her birth mother, Ruth Parris; the mother who lovingly raised her, Cleo Parris; and her beloved sisters, Sarah Golliher and Lillie Hay.

Wanda leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in the hearts of those who knew her best. She is survived by her devoted life partner of 38 years, Bernie Hausser; her sons, Wayne (Tammie) Dickson and Jeff (Stacey) Dickson; and Bernie’s daughters, Ginger Hausser and Carrie (John) Hausser Hobby.

Her greatest joy was her family, and she poured her heart into each generation. She was a proud grandmother to Jessica (Nathan) Dalton, Elizabeth (Andy) Casteel, Kent (Mackenzie) Dickson, Sam (Jenna) Dickson, Noah Dickson, Brielle Hobby, and Jake Hobby. Wanda was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Jack Dalton, Charlie Dalton, Juliet Dalton, Thomas Dalton, and Micah Casteel.

A gifted and creative soul, Wanda was known for her talents in sewing, crocheting, and painting. She lovingly crafted keepsakes for her children and grandchildren and co-owned a successful handicraft business, Pride Three Crafts, with Bernie at the foot of Lookout Mountain.

Wanda had a deep love for nature. Whether tending her vibrant flower garden or traveling through the Tennessee hills to admire blooming mountain laurels, she found joy in the beauty around her. She especially cherished visits to Tybee Island and fondly recalled her trip to Hawaii in her younger years.

A true Southern Nanny, Wanda was an exceptional cook. Her family will forever remember her peanut butter cookies, famous carrot cake, and her holiday sausage balls with a special Jamaican barbecue sauce she perfected over five decades.

Proud of her Appalachian roots, Wanda often shared stories of her childhood in the Tennessee hills—drying apples, gathering fresh produce from the garden, and walking to school with friends on adventure-filled mornings.

A strong and determined woman, Wanda raised her two sons on her own, guiding them with love, discipline, and perseverance. Watching them grow into caring, community-minded men was her greatest source of pride.

She will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Graveside services will be held at Glen Alice Cemetery in Rockwood, Tennessee, where she will be laid to rest beside her sister, Lillie Hay, and reunited with their parents. Service will be July 12 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.