Wanda Sue Shoemaker

Wanda Sue Shoemaker, affectionately known to so many as "Nana Wanda," passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on May 14, 1952, she was the youngest daughter of Grady Herman Kite and Jannie Lee Wallace Kite. From the very beginning, Wanda carried a gentle spirit and a heart for caring for others, qualities that would define her life and leave a lasting imprint on everyone she encountered.
Wanda's life was rooted in love, family, and service. She spent her years as a devoted homemaker, finding her greatest purpose in nurturing those around her. Along the way, she worked in school nutrition for Carroll County Schools, where her warm presence was felt by countless children, and later served with the State of Georgia in Child Support Recovery. No matter the role, Wanda approached her work with compassion, diligence, and a desire to help others.
Of all the titles she held, grandmother was the one she treasured most. Wanda poured her heart into helping raise her grandchildren who lived nearby, becoming a constant and loving presence in their lives. She rarely missed a game, performance, or school event, proudly cheering on Addi, Annalee, Garrett, Jake, Kadence, Dixie, Isabella, Caroline, and Jaxson. Her home and her arms were always open, offering encouragement, guidance, and unconditional love.
Wanda's nurturing spirit extended far beyond her own family. She was an "adopted nana" to many children in the community, embracing each one with the same warmth and care she gave her own. Her kindness knew no boundaries, and her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched simply by loving them well.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Bruce Shoemaker Sr.; her sons and daughter-in-law, Wayne & Alison Lyle and Mark Lyle; her daughter and son-in-law, Jenny & Brad Gordon; her stepchildren and their spouses, Tessa & Ben Hartstack, Sarah & Jimmy Doutt, Rachel & Jai Walley, and Bruce & Candiace Shoemaker Jr.; her loving sister and brother-in-law, Linda & Randall Bonds; along with her nieces and nephews, Tim & Tracy Bonds, Kim & Shawn Parker, and Derrick & Ellen Smith.
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Addi Lyle, Annalee Lyle, Garrett Gordon, Jake Gordon, Haden Roberson, Hunter Roberson, Samantha Doutt, Cooper Doutt, Jack Doutt, Beau Doutt, Dylan Walley, Haylee Walley, Colton Walley, Kadence Shoemaker, Dixie Huddleston, Isabella Shoemaker, Caroline Shoemaker, and Jaxson Shoemaker, along with two great-grandchildren who will carry forward her spirit of love and compassion.
In addition to her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Pamela Smith.
A funeral service to celebrate Wanda's life will be held on December 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home, with visitation for family and friends from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM. In accordance with her wishes, Wanda will be cremated following the service.
As we remember Wanda Sue Shoemaker, may we carry forward the lessons she lived by: love deeply, show kindness freely, and always make room for one more in our hearts. Though she will be dearly missed, her warmth, laughter, and unwavering love will continue to shine through all who were blessed to know her.
Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Shoemaker family during this time.