Wanda Louise Allison, 96, of Walnut Ridge passed from this life on Monday, September 19, 2022, at Encore Healthcare and Rehab in Little Rock. She was born May 3, 1926, in Clover Bend to the late Alva Luther and Mamie O'Neal (Whaley) Ludwig.

In addition to her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by her husband of 77 years, Muriel Allison; and one infant brother.

She is survived by her children, Dianne Martin of Walnut Ridge, Susan Merry (Pat) of Sherwood, and Scott Allison (Amanda) of Little Rock; grandchildren, Kimi Martin, Monte Martin, Blake Ramsey, Tom Ramsey, Dylan Allison, Grant Allison, and Max Allison; five great-grandchildren; great nieces and nephews, cousins and special pet, Cooper.

As a young girl, Wanda attended Fender Community Baptist Church where she later met her husband Muriel. As the story goes, Muriel fell in love with her at first sight when he saw her standing at the bicycle rack in front of the church. In the earlier years of their marriage, attending church socials and dancing the jitterbug were favorite past-times. Along with taking care of the home and raising her three children, which was her most cherished purpose, Wanda often helped with farm duties including hauling the cotton wagons to the gin and driving long distances to pick up parts for the farm equipment.

Wanda had a way with words. She was a character who loved to laugh, was full of wit and always having fun. She was an avid reader from an early age and loved to dance and decorate. With a love of shopping, she was the epitome of class, always dressed for the occasion with color and flare. Being humbly social and generous of heart were two of her many special qualities. Her door was always open for company and conversation where anyone who visited felt warm and comfortable, was offered a hot cup of coffee and sent home with a meal. Holidays were extra meaningful to her because it brought all the family together and family was everything. She was a loving and kind soul and she will be dearly missed by family, friends and loved ones.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 10:00-10:30 a.m. Graveside services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in Lawrence Memorial Park at Walnut Ridge. Jake Guenrich will officiate. All arrangements are under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Grandchildren Blake Ramsey, Tom Ramsey, Monte Martin, Dylan Allison, Max Allison, and Grant Allison.