Mary Wanda Deere

Wanda Deere Murphysboro-Mary Wanda Deere, 76, of Murphysboro, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 7:05 PM at her home surrounded by her family, after a 3 year long battle with cancer. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 5, 2011, from 5-8 PM at the First Assembly of God Church in Murphysboro; 445 N. 16th Street. A 2nd visitation will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 9-11 AM at Blue Funeral Home in Goreville; 812 S. Broadway. Funeral services will directly follow at 11 AM on Saturday at the funeral home, with Reverend Dean Akins & Reverend Isaac Deere officiating. Interment will be in Busby Cemetery in Goreville. Memorial donations are suggested to TIP Hospice and/or First Assembly of God Missions Fund; envelopes will be available during all services or may be sent C/O Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL, 62959. Wanda was born on October 15, 1934 in Herrin to Albert & Francis (Perry) Thornton. She married Frank J. Deere on September 19, 1953 in Vienna; they were about to celebrate their 58th anniversary. Survivors include her devoted husband, Frank; children, Greg & Gina Deere of West Lafayette, IN, Gordon Deere of Murphysboro, Geri & Duke Seigars of Eagan, MN; grandchildren, Reverend Isaac & Becky Deere and Kaylee Deere all of West Lafayette, Kareen Seigars of Eagan; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Gideon Deere of West Lafayette. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Deere was a graduate of Goreville High School. She lived in several Illinois cities throughout her life, and eventually, she and Frank found their way to Murphysboro; where they have resided for the past 23 years. Wanda and Frank attend First Assembly of God in Murphysboro. Throughout her life she had been involved in various church ministries; serving the church as Women’s Mission Leader, Youth Leader and Sunday School Teacher. Her favorite church activities were leading prayer groups and giving to the missions. Wanda & Frank sang in various gospel groups throughout the region and she highly enjoyed singing and playing music with her family. Wanda was an Avon Representative for 29 years and enjoyed serving her clients. She also cherished her role as a homemaker and dearly loved her family.