Wanda Ellen Morrow

Wanda Ellen Brewer Morrow, age 96, peacefully departed on February 23, 2021, at her home in San Angelo. Wanda was the third daughter born to John and Monie Brewer in Elmore City, Oklahoma, on November 24, 1924. Wanda moved with her family to Iraan in 1929. By her high school years, Wanda had won the hearts of her peers and was among the young ladies chosen to be a cheerleader. A Brave fan like none other, she had the type of school spirit that time itself would never conquer. She was a proud member of the Iraan High School class of 1942.

At the blossoming age of 18, Wanda felt called upon by her country to serve as a defense worker during World War II at North American Aviation in Dallas, Texas. A job that was captured iconically by the recruiting moniker of “Rosie the Riveter.” Due in large part to her small stature, Wanda’s job was to crawl into the wings of airplanes like the B-17 Flying Fortress to rivet and inspect them. Ever the independent thinker, Wanda was supposed to have enrolled in college but instead chose to pursue this most patriotic of civic duties.

Upon returning to Iraan, Wanda met a handsome soldier named Thad Morrow. They were united in holy matrimony in Rankin, Texas, on October 26, 1945. Thad and Wanda settled back in Iraan to create their life together and raise a family. Together they welcomed two daughters, Thanda and Deb. Thad and Wanda showered their girls with love and positive examples. Wanda worked hard at home where she was a skilled seamstress and made much of the family’s wardrobe herself. In fact, she and Thad enjoyed square dancing and Wanda always made sure that their outfits were as finely coordinated as their dance moves.

Wanda loved to travel. She had an innate spirit for adventure and she and Thad traveled extensively to experience the world first hand. But for Wanda the center of the world might as well have been Iraan, Texas, USA. She was dedicated wholeheartedly to Christ, her family, her country and her community. For 20 years, Wanda steadfastly worked six days a week at the Corner Drug Store in downtown Iraan. She thoroughly enjoyed it because it placed her right in the center of her beloved community. Wanda’s strong sense of community service was perhaps most evident in her over 50 years of dedication to coordinating the Iraan Ex-Students Association’s IHS Homecoming events. Despite the work involved she was always looking forward to the next one. Wanda rounded out her service for her community by serving in the Iraan General Hospital Ladies Auxillary.

Wanda was naturally warm, loving, caring and selfless with everyone she encountered. She reveled in the company of her many beloved friends. But those who most acutely received the treasure of her boundless love called her MomMom. MomMom, as she became known to her family after becoming a grandmother took her role quite seriously. Her grandchildren loved that she would often indulge them with ice cream in bed at her and Grandad’s house. Simply stated; MomMom was the grandmother every child deserves, but that only a few are ever blessed to have.

Wanda was the quintessential hometown American girl. She lived fully and loved faithfully. She loved homecoming for what it represented- a chance to relive the highlights of the good times. Our family will miss her dearly and part of our comfort comes from knowing that our forever homecoming queen is now received at the grandest homecoming of all.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Thad, and her sisters Johnnie Juanice, Betty June, Carol Sue, Monie Juanita and Dorlis Jean.

She is survived by: a sister Lura Lee Sehorn; two daughters, Thanda White and huband Travis, Deb McMullan and husband Dean, a stepson Carson Willsie and wife Janette; eight grandchildren Troy White and wife Joy, Todd White and wife Karen, Tate McMullan, Deak McMullan and wife Santana, Teresa and husband Rick Roberts, Craig and wife Beckie Willsie, Nina and husband Brian Greenfield, and Karla and husband Daniel Montgomery; eight great-grandchildren, Hanna and Sarah White, Tyler and Austin White, Quinton and Davan McMullan, and Ceanna and Hardy McMullan.

“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Services will be held Saturday February 27, at 1 pm at the Iraan Baptist Church. Graveside services to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Iraan Ex Students Association at PO Box 1084 Iraan, TX 79744.