Wanda Faye Stanley

Wanda Faye Stanley, 79, took a once in a lifetime trip on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.

She was preceded in leaving behind this earthly life by her grandparents, Ruby and D.J. Muse; parents, James Quarles and Geneva German; husband, Ernest Stanley; brother, Jim Quarles; granddaughter, Ruby Sue Stanley.

Wanda was a self-taught painter and crafter, who loved to upcycle what others may consider as trash into beautiful keepsakes, Christmas ornaments, and other works of art. She treasured the outdoors.  Sitting on the porch or patio talking with her friends and the staff at Highland Hills Retirement Village was a favorite pastime. She enjoyed taking trips with her best buddies, Mary Jo, Marlene and Ida Grace; sometimes to the beach, sometimes to a casino destination, but always enjoying each other’s company and the memories they made.

She is survived by her children, Selena Blankenship (Matthew) and Scott Stanley; grandchildren, Alana Blankenship, Jackson Blankenship, 1LT Conor Blankenship, Olivia Stanley and Emma Stanley; siblings, Judy Grant (Peter), Arnold German, Joe German and Patti Shipley (Patrick); dear friends, Mary Jo and Steven Cockburn, Marlene Cooper, Ida Grace Henson and Judy Blankenship; and the special Highland Hills staff members who cared for her while she was a resident.

Wanda left the following words for those who remain earthside: “Don’t mourn my death, but celebrate my life for those family members I leave behind. Hold your families close and love them unconditionally because in life these are the most important things. Always remember I loved you all dearly.”

A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Love Funeral Home in Dalton, GA. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12 until 2 PM. Burial will be in West Hill Cemetery. At Wanda’s request, the family encourages those attending to wear festive colors. Her favorites were red, pink and turquoise.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clarke County School District Fund of the Athens Area Community Foundation ( https://athensareacf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1114 ) indicating “CCSD Fine Arts Program” in the memo line; or St. Mary's Highland Hills Village, making your check payable to “St. Mary’s Foundation” and indicating “activities programming” on the memo line. Please mail your check to: St. Mary’s Foundation, 1230 Baxter Street, Athens, GA 30606-3791.