Obituary of Wanda Lee Thompson

Thompson, Wanda Lee, age 93, passed away on March 23, 2023 at home in Tucson, Arizona. Wanda was born in Swifton, Arkansas to Chester and Erie Fairris on August 24, 1929. Wanda grew up in rural Arkansas, fishing and hunting as a child with her three brothers. Her family moved to Tucson where she met the one man she loved her whole life, John A. Thompson. Wanda and Johnny were married on June 1, 1950. Wanda and Johnny moved to Iowa, where their only child, Faye was born on June 20, 1951. They moved back to Tucson three months later, where Wanda resided the rest of her life. She was blessed to live the last four decades of her life across the street from wonderful neighbors, Isabel and Alfredo Moreno, who loved and cared for Wanda as family. Wanda was known for her love of Jesus and willingness to pray with everyone. She volunteered at the Pima County Jail Ministry from 1993 until the pandemic paused the ministry in 2020. Wanda’s health did not enable her to return to the ministry after the pandemic, but she continued to minister to people she encountered in parks, to those in her neighborhood, and to anyone she met that needed prayer. She had a strong compassion for those who were hurting, and even during her last year of life Wanda spoke about wanting to return to the jail ministry when her health improved. Wanda’s sense of humor, hugs, many letters to friends and family, prayers, and her passion for the Lord will be missed. Wanda is survived by her daughter, Faye and her son-in-law, Ron Zimmerman; two granddaughters, Heidi Henry and Robin Cobbs; four great-grandchildren, Joshua Henry, Allison Henry, Aidan Cobbs and Charlene Cobbs; her brother, Cletus Fairris and his wife Cathy; and nieces and nephews. Brothers who predeceased Wanda are Cecial Fairris and James Robert Fairris. Family and friends, whose lives were touched by Wanda, are invited to attend her Memorial Service to celebrate her life on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 3:00 pm at Hope City Church, 5729 E 22nd Second Street in Tucson, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hope City Church in honor of Wanda.