Wanda Bowen Thayer

Rocky Mount – Wanda Bowen Thayer, age 97, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Born in Robeson County, NC on December 22, 1927, she was the daughter of the late William Walton Bowen and Neilla Hayes Bowen. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Frank Kirk Thayer, Jr.; her son, Benjamin Bowen Thayer; her brothers, Tommy A. Bowen and Jene Ronald "Tink" Bowen; and her son-in-law, Sam Elliott.
Wanda's childhood was influenced by the trying years of the Depression, requiring upheaval in normal family systems. She understood hardship but also that security and happiness were not dependent on material possessions. Wanda turned to faith and education to find fulfillment. She often reflected that her childhood experiences built the empathy and tolerance that she carried into adulthood.
Wanda excelled academically, graduating with honors from Woman's College (now UNCG) and worked for the Red Cross. Kirk Thayer, Jr. had caught her eye in high school (tales of young romance!) and shared a marriage that lasted for 56 years, until his death in 2005. They embraced the chaos of raising five children and made homes in Asheboro, Lynchburg VA, and Rocky Mount. Throughout, she tackled roles of sports-mom, seamstress, chauffeur, counselor, and best friend to Kirk. She made time to read about world history, biographies, historical fiction, and the classics. Her children will remember "Bored? Read a book!" She and Kirk enjoyed bridge club, travel, trips with friends and family to the beach, and numerous household projects. They enjoyed each other.
After life with Kirk, Wanda moved just around the corner where she met new friends and rescued a furry fellow named Fred. She structured her days around giving him his best life. For several years she had an active life which included travel and family trips. She loved St. Andrew's but her attendance declined as she aged and she missed serving in Alders-guild and sitting in "her" pew. She also became less able to attend family events which saddened her, but she sparkled with face to face chats on her portal. In her solitude she read novels, studied the Bible, and completed daily crossword puzzles. She loved to talk and loved to listen. Wanda could soften any difference of opinion with a big grin and a hug, because it really didn't matter. When driving away from a visit, she made Fred wave with her from the front door, so he wouldn't feel left out.
Wanda is survived by her children, Amanda "Mandy" Thayer (Chris Reid), Suzanne Thayer Elliott, Frank Kirk Thayer, III (Sherri), and Jonathan Hayes Thayer (Sunny); her grandchildren, Ashley Sanchez (Jake), Molly Lewis (Chip), Ava Gray Reid, Macy Kirk Reid, and Duncan Sharkey; her great-grandchildren, Owen and Mac Sanchez and Sam, Bennett, and Charley Lewis.
She was especially grateful to her neighbors, Bill Searcy for saving her from self-made handyman errors and leaking ceilings at 2 am, and to Betsy Suggs Searcy for managing emergencies and giving a helping hand whenever needed. They were both precious friends. She loved Nikki Jones, her coffee buddy who was with her when she passed. We feel blessed that her last moments were with a gentle and compassionate friend. Wanda always said she could not have stayed in her home without her "adopted" daughter, Sharon Owenby and her husband Chris. They were her best friends and a daily source of companionship and assistance in her last years. Chris always made sure Fred got his 2nd dinner from the grill! She loved all her friends.
Wanda 's lasting hope was to stay in her home, living as independently as she could until her time on earth was over. We are so comforted that this happened. She kept her independence and lived her finals days on her terms. Her life was full. She did it all with a little help from her friends.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Wanda's life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church with Rector Les Carpenter officiating.
Visitation with the family will be after the service in the narthex.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.