Wanda Janice Coppenger, born September 9, 1933, passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022, surrounded by her loving husband and children.

Wanda was born the youngest of five siblings to Walter and Marie Reed in Tipton, IN. When she was four, her family moved to Corpus Christi where she quickly adapted to life as a proud Texan. After graduating from W.B. Ray High School, Wanda went to work as a secretary for an engineering firm. Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, a young navy man, Carl (Jim) Coppenger. They were married May 1, 1953, and began their life together as a military couple, moving often as their family grew, eventually settling in Pensacola, FL, her home of over 50 years.

Wanda's personal calling was to be a nurturing wife, homemaker and stay-at-home mother to her five children. She was extremely humble, but took great pride in creating a peaceful, loving and welcoming home for all who entered. She was the go-to person for all things baking, sewing, organizing, stain removal or any domestic emergency. Wanda was also a volunteer leader in many of the communities where they were stationed and an active member of the Officer's Wives Club. In 1972, she was named "Military Wife of the Year" for the Pensacola area, selected for her work with numerous charitable initiatives, particularly those dedicated to children's welfare.

Wanda was the consummate Proverbs 31 woman. She was hard-working, selfless, kind, thoughtful, full of grace, and possessed noble character. Her great joy in life was her children and their families, and each one held a very special place in her heart. She also had strong bonds with her siblings, their children, her aunts and uncles, and Jim's extended family.

Wanda was a faithful Christian, using her gifts in service to the church throughout her life. She had many passions, and most important to her was sharing them with those she loved. She enjoyed cooking, crafting, shopping, puzzling, researching family genealogy and traveling. She visited all 50 states, most national parks, and many foreign countries.

Wanda is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Kenneth, Harry, and Lewis; sister, Naomi, and son-in-law, Tom.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Jim; children, Debra Drake, Jan Richards, Kathleen Heubach, James Coppenger (Joy) and Carol Whittington (Hunter); 12 grandchildren, Jody Richards, James Drake, Jason Richards, Cindi Lacey, Beau Heubach, Brett Heubach, Jordan Richards, Ben Coppenger, Sam Coppenger, Taylor Whittington, Ashlyn Whittington, and Jackson Whittington; 19 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held 8:00am until the funeral service begins at 9:30am Friday, February 18, 2022, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Dr. Stan Lewis officiating. Private family interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ministry Village of Olive Baptist Church, 1836 Olive Rd., Pensacola, FL 32514.

The Coppenger family extends a special thank you to the compassionate caregivers of Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital.