Wanda Childress

September 23, 1967 - June 14, 2021

Wanda Yvette Dumas-Childress was born September 23, 1967 to Terri Jean Dumas and the late Gene Redmond in Hollandale, Mississippi. Wanda was the older of two children born to this union. Wanda accepted Christ at an early age. She joined New Life Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir and serving as the Choir Director. She later joined Bethesda Church of God in Christ under the spiritual leadership of Pastor James Marks, where she served on the Usher Board. Wanda was known for her caring heart and warm spirit. She was devoted to her family. She was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother and was always willing to lend a hand to help others. In supporting her family, she believed in hard and honest work and worked for many years in warehouse and production. Her determination to ‘never give up’ was apparent to many. Wanda enjoyed spending time with family, shopping, dancing, cooking, and baking. She was known for her specialty of cakes and desserts. She perfected her maternal grandmother’s recipes. She would, tirelessly, bake and showcase grandmother’s famous cakes and desserts at Thanksgiving dinner. You could always count on her to greet everyone in her presence with a smile. Even when she was not feeling her best, Wanda enjoyed life to the fullest. Wanda Yvette Dumas-Childress, age 53, gained her wings on June 14, 2021. She was surrounded by many of her loved ones. She was loved and will be missed by all. Wanda leaves behind to cherish in her memory: her mother, Terri Jean Dumas of Elgin, IL; her son, Michael T. Dumas of Chicago, IL; her daughter, Jajuanna Dumas of Sleepy Hollow, IL; her brother, Walter Pete Halums of Joliet, IL; half-siblings, Eugene Glen, Eugene Rydell, Michael, Rafael, Yulinda, and Jennifer of MS, Roy and Rhonda of GA, Darien and Millie of TX and Loraine of NY; six grandchildren; two godchildren; and a host of beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Wanda was preceded in death by her father, Gene Redmond and her brother, Chris Redmond. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, and other beloved relatives.