Wanda Marie Crowell

“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)”

Wanda Kinser Crowell was born in Commerce, TX on September 23, 1940, the only child of R.D. “Bub” Kinser and Marie Wilkins Kinser.  She is survived by her husband, Mike, of 61 years, Daughter Donna Newkirk and husband Carr of Plano, TX, son Grant Crowell and wife Regina of Commerce, TX and daughter Rhonda Lloyd and husband Kevin of Rowlett, TX.  Grandchildren Kinser “Gus” Newkirk, Kacie Newkirk, Dalton Lloyd, Kamie Lloyd, and Levi Crowell.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Lauren Crowell.

Wanda had deep roots in the Commerce area as her maternal ancestors, the Wilkins family, were one of the first five families to settle in the now Commerce area in the early 1800s.  The family’s restored log cabin, believed to be the first structure built in now Hunt County, sits at the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum in Greenville, TX.

Wanda was a devout Christian who spent over six decades in Christian music ministry singing and playing piano and keyboard.  This time included over thirty years as a volunteer for First Baptist Church of Commerce for their Sunday morning worship service at Oak Manor Nursing home.  She was pianist for Mt. Zion Church until her health began to fail in late 2017.  Wanda’s entire life was spent serving others; no matter whether it was her husband, children, grandchildren, or the community.

All of Wanda’s employment years were spent with the United States Postal Service retiring in 2002 as Postmaster of Campbell, TX.

Heartfelt appreciation goes to her cousin, neighbor and caretaker Betty Wilkins Hardman for her unconditional kindness.  The family owes a debt of gratitude to Wanda’s longtime friend, Rita Sperry, for her weekly visits to read the Bible, sing and pray.  Also, thanks to the women of Mt. Zion Church for the food, cards, and friendship.

Due to COVID-19 assembly restrictions, a private immediate family burial will be at Sonora Cemetery near Fairlie, TX under the direction of Commerce Funeral Home.  Rev. Jerry Speight, a lifetime family friend, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Sonora Cemetery Association, c/o Judy Swinson, 6758 CR 3704, Commerce, TX 75428. 

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