Wanda Tinsley

Wanda Lee Tinsley, age 94, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, passed away early in the morning on January 27, 2026, following a sudden illness. She was born on August 31, 1931, in Hoxie, Arkansas, and was the oldest of seven children.

Wanda was strong, stubborn, and fiercely independent to the very end. At 94, she still lived alone and even drove occasionally—proof she did things her own way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Lula Pickney; her brothers, Henry Pickney, Paul O’Neal, and Jack O’Neal; her sister, Mary Lawler; and her best friend, Nancy Dixon.

She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Beverly Noel Dillingham, of Southaven, Mississippi, and son-in-law, Steven Dillingham; her cherished granddaughter, Stephanie Rooker, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and husband, Roddy Rooker; and her treasured great-grandsons, Brennan Rooker and Blake Rooker, of Nashville, Tennessee. She is also survived by her sisters, Suzanne Douglas and Faye Jimmerson, both of Iowa; her adored fur companion, Hazel; and a host of nieces and nephews. Wanda also leaves behind her longtime neighbors and dear friends, George Dixon, Lisa and Pete Hayes.

Every night, Wanda shared the same phone call with her granddaughter:

“I thought I better call you because I’m going to bed. Are you going to bed?”

“Not yet, GMA—but goodnight. I love you.”

She was a devoted mother, GMA, and Memaw, deeply loved and fiercely loving in return.

Forever loved. Forever missed.