Wanda Dies

Kindness, compassion, empathy and love...These are four of the most important human virtues that often seem in short supply these days. There is no doubt about it - the world would be a much happier place if more people embraced these traits.

However, whenever a person comes along who is guided by the spirit of love and kindness, they serve as a blessing to everyone whose paths they cross.

One such person was Wanda Williams Dies.

Wanda was called home to Heaven at the age of 71 on July 9, 2023. She was adopted at the age of 10, and she spent most of her childhood growing up in Ohio before moving to Nashville, TN. Several years later, she spent most of her adult years in Franklin, TN, before moving to Hendersonville to be with her daughter and only child, Lydia Dies in 2021.

After graduating from David Lipscomb High School in Nashville, Wanda entered the workforce, where she experienced a long career working in a variety of fields. However, despite holding many jobs throughout her life, Wanda's greatest calling was being a caregiver.

Throughout her life, Wanda never met a person whom she did not treat with kindness and love. Whether an individual was a friend, family member or stranger, it did not make a difference to Wanda. If that person was hurting, Wanda was at his or her side, giving boundless comfort and solace. Any suffering soul who gazed into her warm and caring countenance came away knowing that everything would be alright.

Wanda's compassionate and caring nature was not just limited to people, as she was an avid animal lover. From dogs and cats to horses, Wanda adored God's four-legged creatures, and she went out of her way to take care of their needs.

All her life, Wanda cherished her family, embracing both her birth and adopted parents and siblings. Along with her daughter Lydia, Wanda is survived by her birth sisters Deborah Knapp Carter, Mary Kelly (husband Shawn), Katie Oleksiak (husband Tim), her birth brother Phil Bonadonna (wife Debbie), her adoptive brothers Jim and Tobey Williams, her stepbrother Mark Johnson (wife Linda), her ex-husband Fred Dies and her brother-in-law Tim Dies.

Wanda was preceded in death by her adoptive mother Sara Thompson Williams, her adoptive father Fletcher Larrimore Williams, her birth mother Ruth Gielty, her stepmother Ann Hale Williams and other extended family members.

There will be a celebration of life gathering for Wanda at 10 a.m. on July 26th at Life.Church Hendersonville, located at 120 Indian Lake Blvd. As Wanda would have it, the celebration will be a "come as you are" event. Instead of an ornate occasion, the celebration will focus on what is important - a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends and acquaintances consider donating to "No Voice No Choice Animal Rescue," a 501c3 nonprofit organization that was near and dear to Wanda's heart. Located in Rogersville, TN, the organization offers hope, support and adoptions for hundreds of animals each year. Donations can be made directly through PayPal at: Paypal.me/nvncanimalrescue.

All arrangements are being handled by TriStar Cremation in Old Hickory, TN.