Wanda Jean (Wheat) Greenwood, age 73, left this earth for her heavenly home on December 31, 2025.
Wanda was born on August 21, 1952, in Fairfield, Illinois, to Donald and Bettie Wheat. She attended Zif Grade School and then graduated from Clay City High School in 1970. She grew up in the community she loved and carried that love for people throughout her life.
On March 18, 1972, Wanda married Rocky Greenwood, in Mt. Erie, Illinois. Together they made their home south of Clay City, where they spent the majority of their married life.
Wanda was an incredible mother to Jackie (Scott) Kurtz of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and James (Angie) Greenwood of Fairfield. She was a mom who always put her children first, but the role she cherished most was being a Grammy. Grammy Wanda adored her four granddaughters beyond measure: Elizabeth (Adrian) Kurtz and Abigail Kurtz of Nashville, Tennessee, and Shelby and Josie Greenwood of Fairfield. She never missed a single event and was always present—whether to cheer, support, give a hug, or simply be there. She loved playing games, making messes, and creating memories with her girls. Anything her granddaughters needed, Grammy was there with unconditional love.
Wanda is also survived by her mother, Bettie (Shackleford) Wheat and her three brothers, Tom (Jennie) Wheat of Fairfield, David (Jan) Wheat of Albion, and Dean (Trudy) Wheat of Fairfield, along with many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her father, Donald Wheat.
Early in her working years, Wanda was employed at Airtex and Kex Products. She then worked as Unit Secretary for Clay City Schools, where she served students, parents, and staff with kindness and dedication for over 32 years. Wanda truly loved people and stayed busy working part-time at places such as Subway and Knapp’s.
A lifelong crafter, Wanda was always creating something. In her empty-nest years, she discovered quilting, which quickly became her passion. She loved buying fabric—often stashing it in every available corner—and spent countless hours making quilts. Many, many people have been blessed with one of Grammy’s cherished quilts that was made with love.
Wanda was also musically gifted, playing the piano and accordion for most of her life. She served as the pianist at the Elm River CP “Brown” Church in Mt. Erie, where she was a lifelong member. Wanda had the rare gift of hearing a song and immediately sitting down to play it—a true talent given by God. In addition to her church service, she also played piano for children’s programs at both Clay City Christian Church and the Brown Church for many years.
Wanda had an incredible will to live. When diagnosed with liver and bile duct issues, she said that she would fight till the end and she sure did. She had the most difficult year in and out of hospitals and never complained. Her greatest desire was to remain with her family, as she certainly did not want to miss out on the fun and making memories. We know that she is now healed and in heaven with her dad, whom she missed dearly.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Wanda, especially the team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Round Wing, 3rd Floor. They became like family and loved her as one of their own.
Grammy loved all of her family fiercely, but she shared a special bond with her granddaughter Shelby. Because Shelby’s start in life was a little harder than most, Grammy became her best friend and constant source of support. In honor of that bond, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Baptist Church, attn: Special Needs Softball Program, 308 S.1st St., Fairfield, IL 62837.
Services for Wanda Greenwood will be held on Saturday, January 10th, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Elm River CP “Brown” Church in Mt. Erie, Illinois. Graveside services will be held at a later date. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home are assisting with cremation arrangements, while the family is taking care of the funeral arrangements.
