Wanda Jane Bird, age 79, of Freeport, Florida passed away in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida on the morning of Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Wanda was born on November 20, 1944 to George William and Loma Mae Brown in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. The oldest of four children, she attended school in Freeport until high school where she made the daily trip to Walton High School in DeFuniak Springs. Wanda lettered in varsity basketball and met her soon to be husband of 60 years, James Bird. Wanda and James were high school sweethearts, graduating Walton High class of 1962.

They married two years later on April 4, 1964 at which time Wanda began a 35 year career with the United States Postal Service as a postal clerk. During her career, they made their home in Freeport and began raising a family. Their children, Stacy, Shannon and Michael grew up in Freeport with a large extended family. Family get togethers would range from summer days boating and skiing on Choctawhatchee Bay to everyone gathering at Loma Mae and George Willie's home for Christmas Eve. A lifelong resident of Walton County, Wanda was well known by many. Following her retirement from the Postal Service in 2001, she began a 14 year career at the then fledgling Hammock Bay community just outside of Freeport. Jay Odom hired Wanda to greet potential residents, serving as the first point of contact and to provide information about the new development. Wanda was a natural fit for the job with her outgoing attitude, warm smile and great sense of humor.

She never met a stranger. Once you met her, you quickly realized how genuine and kind hearted she was. She did not put on airs, marched to her own beat and was confident and comfortable in her own skin. She loved joking and having fun and in her later years, her quirky style meant you never knew what color her hair would be from one day to the next.

She was also in her element when she was in the kitchen. Wanda was a gifted cook and baker. Her chicken and dumplings, pound cakes and nearly famous shrimp gumbo were always big hits at family gatherings and church socials.

She was a member of Southwide Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs for many years. Her faith was strong. Even at the end, knowing that her time was short, she took comfort in knowing that she would soon be free of her illness, walking with the Lord.

Wanda was preceded in death by her father, George Willie and sister, Diane. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, James; mother Loma Mae of Freeport, brother Mac and wife Lisa of Freeport; sister Lisa and husband Harold of Andalusia; daughter Stacy of DeFuniak Springs; daughter Shannon and husband Chris of Valparaiso and son Michael and fiancé Kelly of Mossy Head. Grandchildren include Jessica and husband Calvin of DeFuniak Springs; Brittany and husband Eddy of Freeport, Peyton of DeFuniak Springs and Michael and girlfriend Brianna of Freeport. Great grandchildren include Makenna, Merritt, Tyce and Maverick who loves their Mimi dearly. Wanda was also cherished by many nieces and nephews.

Her absence is profound and she will be terribly missed by not only her family but many in the Freeport community.

A time of visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 PM, Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Southwide Baptist Church; 1307 Coy Burgess Loop, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435.

Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Southwide Baptist Church, with Reverend  Jeremey Lewis officiating.

Flowers are being accepted or you may donate to the following: Westonwood Ranch www.PayPal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/2770721  or the Autism Society of America www.autismsociety.org.

Pallbearers will be Calvin Anderson, Eddy Griffith, Ryan Brown, Scott Young, Spence Johnson and Hagen Brown.

Burial will be held at Hatcher Cemetery.

You may view funeral services live at https://www.facebook.com/claryglennfh/