Wanda Jean Byrd completed her earthly journey at her home on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. She was born the third child to Raymond and Betty Martis on March 31, 1951 in Kansas City Missouri. Both parents, two sisters, Rebecca Winston and Jaquetta Martis and two brothers, Alan and Gordon Martis transitioned to glory ahead of her.

Wanda was educated in the Kansas City School District, graduating in 1969 from Lincoln High School. Upon graduating, Wanda went to work for Western Electric for ten years. She then went to work for Honeywell(Bendix) where she would remain for the next twenty plus years.

Wanda united with Zion Grove Bapt. Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Johnson, where she sang in the choir.

Wanda married Duey Byrd in 1970, that marriage later dissolved. Although she never had children of her own, Wanda had nephews, nieces and the children of her close friends.

Wanda loved life, and anyone who came into contact with her never forgot her. She loved to sing and dance. In her younger years she sang in groups around the city where she often won talent shows. (We called her Gladys Jr., because her voice sounded like Gladys Knight) She also liked to travel and enjoyed taking cruises. Her smile, infectious laugh and sense of humor will truly be missed.

Wanda had a sense of fashion. Her hair was always on point. Even when her health began to fail and she couldn't go to the hairdresser(Lisa Franklin) would come to her house every two weeks making sure Wanda, always looked good.

Wanda leaves to cherish her memories: aunt, Rachael Brown, Georgia Conley, Karen Allen(Jay), Marie Burks and uncles, Donald Conley, Richard Conley(Chris) and William Conley; close friend of fifty-seven years, Linda LaMette(Larry); numerous nephews, nieces and many friends.

Funeral service Saturday, January 11, 2020, 2:00 p.m. at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Interment Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the chapel. Service are conducted Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.