Wanda Thompson Obituary

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Wanda L. Thompson will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Monday, January 13, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Bassfield, with interment following in St. James Cemetery. Father Tomasz Golab will officiate. Mrs. Thompson, age 71, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord Wednesday morning, January 8, 2025, at the Merit Health-Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg. Saulters Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

The Thompson family will receive friends Monday morning from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Peter Parish Hall, with the Rosary prayer service beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Wanda L. Thompson was born on August 3, 1953, to Alex and Nettie Grace Parker Daley. Raised in New Orleans, Wanda's journey took her to Jefferson Davis County during her senior year of high school, where she graduated from Bassfield High School. Her educational pursuits continued at Jones Jr. College before she enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. It was a career path that perfectly aligned with her nurturing disposition, yet her adventurous spirit propelled her toward becoming a pioneering travel nurse at a time when this field of nursing was still taking shape. 

Wanda’s work as a travel nurse allowed her to traverse the United States from coast to coast, enriching her experiences with the unique histories and cultures of each location. A particular favorite of hers was the Hearst Castle in San Luis, California, which reflects her passion for exploring the historical nuances of the areas she served. Within the realm of nursing, she used her remarkable critical thinking skills to contribute to the establishment of the first Cardiovascular Unit at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. Wanda also proudly participated in the first open-heart surgery performed at the hospital, leaving an indelible mark on the medical community.  

Wanda triumphed as a wife, mother and friend; her greatest passion being her family. Her home was a welcoming haven filled with joy and laughter, where traditions were born and celebrated, especially during holidays. The aroma of her famous chicken and dumplings and cornbread dressing-prepared with the recipe known only to a select few, would fill the air, drawing her children together around the table.

Mrs. Thompson was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Nettie Grace Parker Daley; sisters Janice Pier, Betty Daley, and Karen Arnold; and brothers Albert, Roger, Robert, and Mark Daley.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her husband of 41 years, Bobby Thompson of Purvis; sons, Joel Thompson (Daughter-In-Love, Jonnie), Jeremy Thompson, both of Purvis, Michael Coulter of Bassfield;  her sister, Alexis Stephens (Craig) of Seymore, TN and her brother, Basil Daley (Linda) of Magee. The legacy of their Nana will also live on through her grandchildren, Destiny, Samuel, Alec, Gracie and 3 great-grandchildren.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com