In Loving Memory of Hester Lawanna Meeks.

She goes by her middle name Lawanna and everyone called her Wannie, Aunt Wannie or Grandma Wannie.

July 16, 1940 – July 5, 2026
Born on July 16, 1940, in a humble wooden home built by her father in the backwoods of Suwannee County near Live Oak, Florida, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend lived a life rooted in faith, family, resilience, and love.

She often spoke fondly of growing up surrounded by the beauty of old Florida—cornfields, okra, acres of peas, homemade buttermilk pancakes, Sunday dinners, family reunions, and treasured days along the Suwannee River. Those simple beginnings shaped the woman she became and the values she carried throughout her life.

Above all else, she loved her family. Her five children were the greatest blessings of her life, and every new baby born into the family filled her heart with joy. Becoming "Grandma Wannie" was one of her life's greatest honors, and she cherished every hug, every visit, every birthday, and every memory made with her grandchildren: Amber, Brittany, Michael, Kyle, Keifer, Ashley, Tarra, Lauren Kate, April, and Alisha.

Her love continued to grow with each generation as she delighted in her great-grandchildren: Jace, Jensen, Cadence, Camden, Brysen, Haylie, Konnor, Olivia, Belle, Kyra, Maeve and Maia. They brought endless smiles and renewed happiness into her life.

To many, she was also affectionately known as "Aunt Wannie," a title she carried with pride and love. She treasured her own grannie, aunts, uncles, and the unique bond she shared with her double first cousins. Family was never simply important to her—it was everything.

Life brought its share of hardships, as it does for us all. Yet she met every challenge with remarkable strength and determination. Her father and brothers lovingly called her "Wonder Girl," a nickname that perfectly reflected the resilience, courage, and quiet perseverance she demonstrated throughout her life.

Her faith in God was the foundation upon which she built her life. She faithfully attended Rosemary Baptist Church for most of her life, even in later years when walking became difficult. Though every step required greater effort, her love for God was stronger than the pain. Her faith sustained her, comforted her, and guided her until the very end.

She also carried a deep and enduring love for her mother.  She talked to her every day, while she lived and always kept her memory close within her heart.

Her greatest legacy is not measured by possessions or accomplishments but by the love she freely gave. She taught us the importance of family, faith, perseverance, kindness, and finding joy in life's simple blessings.

She loved each of us completely, and we were blessed beyond measure to be loved by her.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with those who went before her and resting in the presence of her Savior.

Her love lives on in every child, grandchild, great-grandchild, niece, nephew, cousin, brother and friend whose life she touched.

She loved us all.

And we will love her forever.

Please enjoy her lovely handwriting of one of her favorite poems in the handout.  Her penmanship is beautiful!

She is survived by: her brothers, Len Duncan and Ricky Duncan; her children John Thompson, Kevin Thompson, Shauna Davis, Donna Warden and Darren Sangster; ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Daniel's Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 8, at 3:00, with visitation beginning 30 minutes prior.

Due to high summer temperatures, we will meet at Big Woods restaurant to eat and visit.

Interment will be at RoseMary Baptist Church and anyone is welcome to view the gravesite taking note of the weather.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate her life and the love she shared with all who knew her.

Please sign her online guestbook and keep her family in your prayers.