Wanda Mae Harrison, age 91, passed from here to her eternal home with Jesus on Friday, May 17, 2024.
Wanda was the ninth child of 11 children to Eugene and Mabel (Smith) Harrison. Wanda had seven brothers and three sisters. She was the last one to pass away. Wanda was born in Henryetta, and grew up there. She graduated from Henryetta High School in May of 1951. On July 16, 1951, she married her hometown sweetheart, Melvin Laughlin. Melvin got a job with Phillips 66 in Borger, Texas and later transferred to Rocketdyne in McGregor, Texas.
So, Wanda and Melvin moved to Waco, Texas in the early 1950s and they had one child, Gail Ann. For a time, they lived at the edge of Lake Waco in the early 1950s. (That area is now under water when they expanded Lake Waco). Wanda was an avid fisherman. She often took relatives out for a spin in the old metal flat bottom boat for catfishing. Wanda often had a little 4-yearold Gail Ann to go fishing with her to check trotlines at 12 or 1 a.m. and when a big old turtle or a gar flopped in the boat, there was some screaming going on!
Melvin and Wanda were married for 30 years, they divorced in 1981. Melvin passed away November 18, 2012. Wanda took back her maiden name of Harrison. Wanda lived in Meridian from 1988 to January 2012. She enjoyed taking care of her rose bushes and many plants she collected at her apartment there.
From Meridian, Wanda moved to Brookdale Assisted Living in Waco, Texas, where she made friends with many residents and staff for 11 years and 11 months. She looked forward to Wednesday bingo every week and lots of other activities. Elvis was in the building several times! When Wanda’s health declined in December 2023, she moved to Goodall Witcher Nursing Facility in Clifton, June 25, 1932 – May 17, 2024
Texas and got to meet new residents and staff.
Through the years, Wanda always enjoyed getting together with any of her family members and telling stories of their childhood. She was happy that she got to see her two grandsons, Ben and Brent grow up and that she had two great granddaughters, Elle and Emma. Wanda spent a lot of time studying the bible and getting prepared for this time, her faith in God kept her motivated. She is at peace and out of pain.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Mabel Harrison; seven brothers, Gene, Edward, Emory, Ernest, Harold, Charles, Vernon; and three sisters Mona, Jerry and Jo Ann.
Wanda is survived by daughter, Gail Ann Mc-Carn and husband Bob; grandsons Ben Mc-Carn and wife Amanda, Brent McCarn and wife Meredith; and two great granddaughters, Elle McCarn and Emma McCarn; sisterin- law Gladys Harrison; and many beloved nieces and nephews and extended family that goes on and on and friends made through the years.
The family would like to thank the late Dr. Sandi Walter and staff, Brookdale staff, Reliable Home Health staff and Goodall-Witcher Nursing Facility and staff for the outstanding care of our loved one for all these years. Wanda battled mental health issues for most all of her life and we are forever grateful for the doctors and staff at MHMR of Waco for over 35 years of counseling and treatment.
A family graveside will be at a later date at West Lawn Cemetery in Henryetta. Wanda will be laid to rest with her parents at the cemetery.
