Wanda May (Samford) Avis
May 15, 1938 - September 11, 2026

Wanda May Samford Avis, age 88, was a lifelong resident of the Steele and Holland area. She was born on the family farm, a place that held generations of family history, memories, and love. Later in life, Wanda returned to that same farm with her husband, Carl, where they retired and enjoyed their life together.

Wanda was the youngest of nine children, born to William Rance "Boss" Samford and Beulah (Jones) Samford. Family was at the heart of Wanda's life. In 1982, Wanda married Carl E. Avis, lovingly known to the family as "Daddy Carl." Together they shared 36 years of marriage and a life filled with family, faith, and love.

Carl preceded Wanda in death in 2019. She was also preceded in death by her son, Steve Swindle; her daughter, Nanette Teeter; her parents, William Rance "Boss" Samford and Beulah (Jones) Samford; and her eight siblings.

Wanda was a lifelong member of the Samford Church of Christ. For Wanda, the church was much more than a place of worship. It was a place where family gathered and lifelong friendships were formed. Her connection to the church was woven into the fabric of her life and remained a cherished part of the great life she lived.

Some of Wanda's greatest joys came from the simple things-being surrounded by family, gathering around the table for holiday dinners, and making sure everyone was taken care of. Easter brought another special family tradition: bottles of Coca-Cola from "Daddy Carl" and egg hunts around the house, a tradition passed down from "Big Mama" and "Papa" that continued through the generations.

Long before DoorDash or Uber Eats, Wanda had her own way of making sure the family was taken care of. Many will remember the excitement of the Schwan's man arriving with ice cream sandwiches and other goodies that would find their way into Wanda's freezer, ready for family to enjoy. Wanda also enjoyed traveling and camping, but some of her favorite memories were made outdoors with family, especially while crappie fishing at Reelfoot Lake.

Wanda is survived by her daughters, Trina Powell (Allen) and Candy Knight (David); and her sons, Stan Avis (Darrell), Chris Avis (Kim), and her daughter-in-law Sherry Swindle. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Wesley Ketchum (Krista), Beth Benne (Chris), Briah Howard (Kyle), Garret Powell (Stephanie), Autumn Brown (Jon), Summer Grabert (Matt), Brandy McDowell (Curtis), Stephanie Sewell (Patrick), Rodi Walker (Stacey), Jon Walker (Kori), and Amber Avis; 21 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Wanda's greatest legacy will be the family she helped build, the people she loved, the faith she shared, and the countless memories she created along the way. Her love will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Memorials can be made to the: WR "Boss" and Beulah Samford Endowment Scholarship at Freed Hardeman University or the Children's Home in Paragould, Arkansas. 


Funeral Services will be at the Samford Church of Christ beginning with visitation at 1:00PM, followed by the service officiated by Tim Howard at 2:00PM on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The singing of Wanda's favorite hymns will be led by Steve Worrell. Wanda will be laid to rest following the services at Mount Zion Cemetery in Steele, Missouri, beside her mother and father. Pallbearers: Wesley Ketchum, Kyle Howard, Carson Benne, Jon Brown, Matt Grabert, Rodi Walker, Jon Walker, Garret Powell and Scott Landon. Honorary Pallbearers:  Bobby Ketchum, Rondall Swindle, Randall Swindle, David Daniels, John Thomas Eddleman and Gary Johns.