Wanda Yagel

October 19, 1923 - September 30, 2011

Obituary for Wanda Yagel Tupelo - Wanda J. Yagel, 87, died Friday, September 30, 2011, at The Sanctuary Hospice House after an extended illness. She was born October 19, 1923, in Smithville, Penn. to Charles and Mabel Burchnell Wise. A longtime resident of Silver Spring, MD, she moved to Tupelo to be with her daughter three years ago. She worked for Travelers Insurance most of her working career while earlier in her life, she worked for the F.B.I. in Washington, DC. She enjoyed playing tennis, daily exercise and was an avid Washington Redskins supporter. She was a Baptist. Graveside Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Tupelo Memorial Park with Rev. Dave Jensen officiating. W.E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements. Survivors include her daughter, Karen Smothers (Bill) of Tupelo; three granddaughters, Alecia McMath (Michael) of Arlington, Tenn., Kara Penny (Doug) of Saltillo and Mary Elizabeth Smothers of Tupelo; three great-grandchildren, Anessa, Anna Grace, and Peyton McMath; and her caregivers Sharon McCowan and Minnie Stone. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ward Martin; her second husband, William Yagel; two brothers and a sister. Visitation will be Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to The Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo MS 38803; Avonlea Assisted Living, 2429 Lawndale, Tupelo MS 38801; or the Green Houses of Traceway, 2800 W. Main, Tupelo MS 38801.