Wanda Lee (Branscum) Claiborn, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Wister, OK, on September 6, 2025.
Wanda was born May 23, 1934, in Fanshawe, OK, to Charlie and Pearl Branscum. She married Wilbur Earl Claiborn on January 15, 1953, and together they shared 63 years of marriage until his passing in 2016. Wanda devoted her life to her family and home. She was a faithful member of Ellis Chapel in Wister for more than 70 years. She enjoyed tending cattle, raising a garden, cooking, and spending time with her family. She was always doing something for somebody. In fact, that was how she lived her life — always on the move, running wherever she went, with an energy and devotion that never slowed.
She is survived by her daughter Kaye Johnson of Waldron, AR; son and daughter-in-law Gary and Tammy Claiborn of Wister, OK; son Charles Claiborn of Wister, OK; her brother N.L. Branscum and his wife Judith; and her sister-in-law Sharon Branscum. Grandchildren include Cassie & Joey Deer of Greenwood, AR; Crystal Casey of Huntsville, AR; Kelly Scott of Van Buren, AR; Jonathon Marvin of Greenwood, AR; Megan and Morgan Welch of Greenland, AR; Greg Claiborn of Wister, OK and Jessica & Clint Vaughn of Wister, OK. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Wilbur Claiborn; her parents Charlie and Pearl Branscum; an infant son; daughter-in-law Angela Claiborn; sisters-in-law Maureen Cook and Margaret Baldwin; brothers Pat Branscum and his wife Carol, and George Branscum.
Family invites you to a visitation on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Evans and Miller Funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Ellis Chapel in Wister, with Charlie Scott officiating. Burial will follow in Wister City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Bud Morgan, Cliff Morgan, Bill Cripps, Don Donaho, Robert Branscum, and Dan Cook. Honorary pallbearer Phillip Baldwin.
Wanda will be remembered for her faith, her devotion to family, her tireless energy, and the way she was always doing for others — often running wherever she went.
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