Wanda Mae Sampson

On October 13, 1933 Wanda Anderson was the third of nine children born to Elsie and Sam Anderson. Reared and educated in her birth community of Milton, Oklahoma, Wanda would there meet a young man by the name of Bill Sampson. The two would later marry and, together, raised five children. All in all, this couple would share 63 years of life with one another and made many wonderful memories with their family. Moving back and forth between California and Oklahoma, Wanda was always the heart of their home. Choosing to be a full-time wife, mother and homemaker, she always put the needs of her children and family ahead of her own. During their time in southern California, her children remember the fun she had with them on the beach. (Even though she wouldn't go into the water and would often wear a sweater, she still enjoyed playing with them in the sun and sand.) A great cook, Wanda was known for her fried chicken, her fresh cut French fries that she put together in a cast iron skillet and often served as an after-school snack. Other treats that made the list of favorites included: her no bake cookies, German chocolate cake and even her famous fruit cake made around Christmasti...[more]

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Once her children were all grown, Wanda began working at Oral Roberts University in the Prayer Tower answering calls for the Prayer Hotline which she enjoyed very much. A woman of strong faith, Wanda read her Bible daily and was extremely supportive of her church - her pastor always appreciative of Wanda's steady, yet quiet presence. Through the years, she also read many Christian books and was a faithful subscriber to Reader's Digest. In her spare time, Wanda enjoyed crocheting - spending numerous hours making handkerchiefs and afghans that she gave away to family members and friends. Eventually, Wanda married R.D. Bryant who cared for her until her declining health made it necessary for her to move into the nursing home. Wanda's last days here were spent with her family by her side in the comfort and care of the Clarehouse. It was on July 9, 2019 that Wanda passed away at the age of 85. Those she leaves to cherish her memory include: brothers: Tommy and Bobby Anderson; daughter, Linda Ferguson and her husband, Russ of Boise, Idaho; sons: Dewayne Sampson and his wife, Sherry of Tulsa; Randy Sampson of Hectorville; and Tom Sampson of Prue; five grandchildren: Rusty, Heather, Michael, Kendyl and Hanna; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by: her parents: Elsie and Sam Anderson; siblings: Darmon, Calvin, Nina, Larry, Jimmy and David; and a son, Sam.