Wanda Lee McConnaughhay, 69, of Oxford, AR died in her home on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Known by many as Wanda-Mom for her caring, motherly nature to anyone in need, she was also known for her humor and generosity. She gave willingly to those she didn’t know, along with any friend or family member in need. She loved playing all sorts of board and card games with family and friends, especially Monopoly and Spades. Wanda was a prankster from her youth and loved to create laughs with surprising gifts or unexpected moments.
She was an avid reader, but her favorite past time was simply spending time with family, friends and her beloved dogs.
A graduate of Oxford High School and Ozarka College, she moved around Arkansas with her husband and children before returning home to be with her mother, Carol White. After moving home, she took on the role of administrative assistant at Ozarka College for many years. She considered the people there a second family, and the place was like a second home for her until she retired.
A member of the Church of Christ, Wanda is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, J.R. McConnaughhay; her children Crystal McConnaughhay, Tracy Barbarotto and her husband James, Michael McConnaughhay and his wife Lauren; her grandchildren Tanner Thurman, Maxwell Thurman, Christian Costa, Emerson McConnaughhay and Theodore McConnaughhay. She also leaves behind her sister Diana Owens, her brother Darcy White II, and nieces and nephews that adored her dearly. Among them are Terri Dodd, her husband Danny and their children Taylor and Jordan; Tara Rush and her daughter Lacy; David Dale, his wife Autumn and their children Danika, Doss and Demi; Sarah White; Darcy White III; Sandra McConnaughhay Merrow and her family; Johnie McConnaughhay and his family. She was also survived by her beloved dogs Maddie and Luna. She is preceded in death by her parents Darcy and Carol White.
A memorial service will be held in her memory at 1 p.m. Friday, April 11 at the Salem Church of Christ. A visitation will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. on Friday. In honor of Wanda’s generosity, we ask that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Arkansas Children’s Home of Paragould, a place close to her heart. Donations may be made in her memory using this link: https://web419985.campusnet.net/OnLineGiving_409/site/donate.aspx?siteid=90c1d047-3489-470e-83e1-f9ca96d9c857&LinkID=b937b13d-1549-4ab9-a627-22572c23fd11 Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.
