Wanda “Mrs. Wanda” LaRue Chisholm, 56, returned to her heavenly home on January 15, 2018, after suddenly succumbing to severe complications from the flu. Her devotion to family and firm belief in God supported her as she transitioned into paradise.

Mrs. Wanda was born on May 12, 1961 in Cleveland, OH to Eulis Lauderdale and Dorothy Mae (Starks). She was immersed in the Christian community, that would be her lifelong support, from an early age. She was baptized at the tender age of 9, on April 28, 1971, at Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful servant. It is evident that Mrs. Wanda loved the Lord and her church, as she was active in several committees and auxiliaries. She was the Vice President of the Mission Ministry, a Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Guild Girl Counselor, past Candlelight Speaker, past Women’s Day Chairperson, Financial Secretary for the Northern Ohio Baptist District Association (N.O.B.D.A.) Women’s Auxiliary and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star – Prince Hall Affiliation in Wisdom Chapter #51. In addition, Mrs. Wanda’s willful spirit allowed her to be the go-to person for several activities, including a frequent clothing model for various functions and events (where she would always purchase the clothes she modeled); regularly serving as the Mistress of Ceremony for events when needed; and the Guild Girls’ personal driver, where she would transport several members of the church to functions in and out of the state of Ohio. Simply put, she dedicated her life to Christ and the fruits of her labor will be forever felt.

Professionally, she was a Financial Analyst with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS-Cleveland) for the past 38 years and planned to retire in two years. Over the course of her tenure at DFAS, she served as the Union Treasurer, received numerous performance awards and made a host of longtime friends. Sometimes, Mrs. Wanda would have long lunches with her best friend, LaTonya Hall, where they would share stories and laughs for hours… but when you have worked for an agency for over 30 years, who’s counting?!  Similarly, she would meet her eldest daughter in the cafeteria for coffee and a quick chat before their day began.

Mrs. Wanda was blessed with a loving and close-knit family. She married her best friend and high school sweetheart, Danny Chisholm, on January 4, 1980, in Cleveland, OH. They went on to have three amazing and very different children; Shalonda, 36, the “Silencer”, Danesha, 34, the “Mouth” and Darion, 30, the “Baby Boy”. Mrs. Wanda raised her three children with patience, discipline, humility and unwavering faith in God. She taught them the importance of perseverance and hard work, as they grew up knowing and loving God, while becoming strong and independent individuals. She frequently boasted about her husband and children, as they were her world. She enjoyed spending time with her family; it is the ONLY activity that brought her the most joy. Just this past November (2017), Mrs. Wanda traveled to Maryland to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for her family, brought her own special herbs and spices and even mailed specific pots and pans to her daughter’s house, in anticipation of her arrival. During this trip, Mrs. Wanda, her two daughters and granddaughter enjoyed laughs into the wee hours of the night, while they played with makeup and had a dance competition! Additionally, Mrs. Wanda enjoyed clam bakes, fish fries and frequent “Sister Summits” that included dinner and Happy Hours with her two sisters. Some of her favorite menu items included french-onion soup, shrimp and her favorite restaurant was P.F. Changs China Bistro.

Mrs. Wanda enjoyed traveling too. She and her husband, with whom she shared 38 wonderful years of marriage, actually had the opportunity to celebrate their (Pearl) 30th year anniversary in Las Vegas. Her children paid for the entire trip! She was so spoiled!

Mrs. Wanda wasn’t an ordinary woman, as she was very well-rounded and cultured. Annually, she would visit the Dandelion Festival, hosted by Breitenbach Winery in Amish Country (rural) Ohio. While there, she introduced her family to various vendors, who showcased soap, pottery, handmade jewelry and crafts… all made with one key ingredient… a dandelion!  Dandelion delicacies included dandelion sausage, dandelion bread, dandelion gravy, dandelion lasagna and dandelion sangria. Several times a year, she shopped throughout the Amish Country, with her best friends of over 30 years, Kevin and Linda Barrett, purchasing custom furniture pieces and fresh Amish cheese, milk, candies and meat. She was known throughout the Amish community as “Mrs. Wanda”. She developed lifelong friendships with several members of that community, including the owner of The Gospel Shop of Sugarcreek, a Christian bookstore, where she loved to shop for Christian t-shirts, sweatshirts, trinkets and toys for her grandson. Mrs. Wanda, saw the good in all whom she met, and was an avid news buff as she paid attention to how the world was moving further from its Creator. She loved long conversations with her close friend and sidekick, Sis. Merita Dupree-Sherron; they talked about everything! In addition, she stayed in tune with CNN, and would even allow a little truthful, and at times brutal comedy to entertain her via Bill Mahr. Mrs. Wanda was truly her family’s very own Mother Theresa.

Mrs. Wanda had a knack for fashion. She loved vibrant suits and custom bedazzled hats. Sometimes, she would allow her daughters to try on her suits, hats and shoes – only to tell them how beautiful they looked in her attire. She was certainly a diva! Mrs. Wanda was kind and outspoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. She was always willing, ready and able to fill in whenever needed. She is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her Creator.

Mrs. Wanda is survived by her husband Danny; daughters ShaLonda and Danesha Chisholm; son Darion Chisholm (Tasha Banks-Chisholm); grandchildren LaNaeyah Patrick, Marcus Harrell, Tarin and Tamel Banks-Chisholm; parents Eulis and Dorothy Lauderdale; sisters, Gwendal Hurd and Daphne Coleman and brother, Shawn Lauderdale; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

May the LORD bless her soul as she rest eternally in peace.

“Well done thy good and faithful servant…WELL DONE”.