Wanda Jean Criswell

Wanda Jean Criswell,  81, of Newbern, Tennessee, died on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

Born on September 22, 1944, in Denver, Colorado, she was the daughter of the late Cecil Norris Parker and the late Mildred Lucile Fee Parker.

Wanda was a woman of faith, kindness, and quiet devotion to her family and community. She retired from HECO Manufacturing, where she worked for many years as a shipping clerk and formed countless friendships that she treasured throughout her life. A faithful member of Hillcrest Baptist Church since 1974, Wanda was deeply committed to her Christian faith and was an active participant in Community Bible Study.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures. She was an avid reader who especially enjoyed history and fiction. She loved quilting and took great pride in creating beautiful quilts and other quilted items that became cherished keepsakes for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed collecting Pink Depression Glass and was always delighted to add a special piece to her collection.

Wanda found great pleasure working in her flower beds, where she lovingly tended the blooms that brightened her home. Lilies were among her favorite flowers and were a reflection of the beauty and grace she appreciated in life. She also enjoyed working puzzles, a pastime that brought her both relaxation and satisfaction.

A wonderful cook, Wanda particularly enjoyed preparing desserts and trying new recipes. She had a special fondness for cinnamon rolls, one of her favorite treats. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family, especially cheering from the stands as she watched her grandson play baseball. Her love, encouragement, and gentle spirit will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

Graveside services for Mrs. Criswell will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Dyer County Memorial Gardens. Officiating this service will be Dr. Phill Hall and Mr. Jeff Gordon. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Dana Criswell Fulcher (John) of Newbern, Tennessee and Carre Beth Criswell Gordon (Jeff) of Ridgely, Tennessee; one brother, Douglas Parker (Becky) of Unionville, Tennessee; one  sister, Joann Langley of Nankipoo, Tennessee and she was "Granny" to her five grandchildren, Sarah Katherine O'Guin, Juliana O'Guin, Langdon Gordon (Delainey) , Cameron Gordon and Parker Gordon and one great-grandchild, Lila Grace Gordon.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband in 1997, Buford Criswell and one brother, Jim Parker who preceded her in death in 2023.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Wanda Jean Criswell.

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