Wanda Mae Spurgin

Wanda Mae Smith Thetford Sorell Spurgin was born to J.V. Smith and Essie Pearl Jones Smith on October 30, 1935 in Ballinger, Texas. Wanda grew up in Ballinger and attended McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. She took piano, organ, and voice lessons from age six into her adult years.

Wanda married Benjamin Ray Thetford on November 15, 1952 - the Lord blessed them with four children: Tony, Sherry, Terry, and Debbie. Bennie died in a car accident on February 22, 1966.

Wanda married Bill Sorell on September 13, 1969 - the Lord added two step-children: Kyle and Susie. Bill was deceased on January 16, 1986.

Wanda then married Bill Spurgin on February 17, 1990 - and the Lord added four more stepchildren: Steve, Terry, Leigh Ann, and Tracy.

The Lord blessed Wanda with a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also blessed Wanda with a beloved brother, Vershel Smith, to whom she was very close. And the Lord gave to Wanda a special friend (almost like family), Mary Cantu, who provided care and assistance for the last 14 years of Wanda's life.

Those who have preceded her in death are her parents; one brother, Vernon Smith; one stepson, Kyle Sore"; one grandson, Travis Sansom; and three husbands, Bennie Thetford, Bill Sorell, and Bill Spurgin.

Wanda was a devoted home executive, staying at home so that she could give all her time to her husband, children, and church. She felt called to be a wife and a mother. She considered her children her legacy and her greatest achievement.

The Bible was Wanda's guide and handbook for her life and for raising her children. She was very proud of the men and women her children have become.

Wanda sang from the time she was six years old. She played piano and organ. She taught her four children to play the piano and basic music theory. In the church, Wanda taught children's choirs for 18 years and sang in the adult choir 50 years. Her favorite types of music were hymns, good pop and semi-classic pieces. She attended concerts of various kinds of music in many places.

Wanda was on the steering committee to provide the prayer room at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. She served on many other committees of the church.

She was a member of The Abilene Woman's Club, The Twentieth Century Study Club, and the 2M Investment Club.

She wrote cards of encouragement to many people. Many people referred to Wanda as "the encourager." She wrote many handwritten notes and letters to her children and grandchildren.

Wanda enjoyed traveling and was able to travel to 32 foreign countries, and to 45 of the 50 U.S. States.

Wanda became a deacon's wife with her marriage to Bill Sorell in 1969. After his death, she was again a deacon's wife with Bill Spurgin.

She was extremely blessed. She thanked God everyday for her blessings.

Memorial gifts can be given in memory of Wanda Spurgin to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Abilene, Texas.