Wanda Faye Oaks, 98, of Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

Wanda Stevenson was born on October 18, 1922 in Bay St. Louis, MS. As a child, Wanda lived in several southern cities, including Mobile, AL, Savannah, GA and Montgomery, AL. During high school, her family moved to Galveston, TX where Wanda became a member of the school pep squad. In her southern accent, she would enthusiastically recite those cheers her entire life, bringing big smiles to her family and friends.

During her time in Galveston, she met Gilbert Oaks at a USO dance and they were married on May 7, 1943. They then moved to Monterey, CA, Kansas City, MO, Mobile, AL then back to Kansas City, MO, which she called home since 1973. Wanda was a homemaker, raising six children and an active member of St. Matthew Apostle Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO.

Wanda was a tiny, gentle woman who embraced life and always saw the good in others, while living out her Christian faith. She had so many friends who enjoyed her company. Despite never driving a car, she went to so many places and could give you directions to anywhere in Kansas City. Wanda was a spunky gal who loved life and loved--- to dance, listen to music, play cards, attend pot lucks, the KC Chiefs, the KC Royals, Notre Dame, spending time with her family and friends, and her Catholic faith.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Florence (Smelker) Stevenson, husband, Gilbert, of 36 years, two sons, Richard and John; a sister, Joyce Holm; and a nephew, Frank Holm. She is survived by four children: Gilbert Oaks, Jr., Barbara Shumock, Teresa Newhouse and Garry Oaks; niece, Florence Holm; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family is very thankful for the love and care Wanda received at Little Sisters of the Poor in Kansas City, MO, where she was a resident the last ten years. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Little Sisters of the Poor - Kansas City, 8745 James A. Reed Road, Kansas City, MO 64138. Donations can also be made on their website at www.littlesistersofthepoorkansascity.org.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 7, with a rosary preceding at 10:30 am at the Coronation of Our Lady Parish, 13000 Bennington Ave, Grandview, MO 64030. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, MO.

Wanda was certainly one-of-a kind and will truly be missed by all who knew her and loved her.