Obituary of Wanda Elaine King

Wanda Elaine Hankins King passed away at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, MS, on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, following a battle with lung and liver cancer. Mrs. King was a resident of Madison, MS. She retired in 2018 after 38 faithful years from Vertex, formerly BASI, Raytheon, and L-3. During her tenure, she held many firsts for women such as first Contracts Manager, first Program Manager, and first Director of Subcontracts.

Mrs. King was born in Laurel, MS, on July 20, 1955, to parents Carrol Dee and Elaine Hankins. She was educated at Taylorsville High School, Jones County Junior College, and the University of Southern MS, where she obtained her Master’s Degree in English.

Wanda is survived by her mother, Elaine Ishee Hankins, of Taylorsville and 2 children, a daughter, Melanie Anne King, and a son, Aaron Heath King (Karie), of Madison, MS and 4 grandchildren: Kendal, Cayden, Madi, and Molli, who were the joy of her life.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Karl King (son of Vernis King and the late Juanita King, of Talihina, OK), and her father, Carrol Dee Hankins.

Surviving siblings include: Lana (Kevin) Butler of Laurel, MS; Drew (Amy) Hankins of Auburn, AL; Bradley (Kendra) Hankins of Taylorsville, MS; brothers-in-law Darrell (Janice) King of Talihina, OK, Bryan King of Oklahoma City, OK, and numerous nieces and nephews who have many fond memories of her.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, September 28, 2019 at her church, Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Madison, MS from 1PM – 2:30PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.