Wanda Beth Finley

Wanda Beth Gibbs Finley passed peacefully in her sleep and into her Lord’s arms Tuesday April 7th, 2026 at age 91. She was surrounded by her daughters and sons-in-law.

Wanda’s life is a constant blend of faith in her Lord, love of family, friends and church, and service to the community through teaching.

She was born on August 26, 1934, at home in Justin, Texas. She grew up in Justin, finishing high school at the early age of 16.

Wanda fell in love with horses on her parents’ farm. Her favorite horse was “Dickey”. Her memoirs include a picture of a horse of the Akhal-Teke breed from Turkmenistan, once announced as the world’s most beautiful horse. She agrees.

She began teaching school at age 19 and would do so for over 32 years, mostly first grade, serving children of less fortunate families. In this capacity she was once runner-up for Teacher of the Year in Fort Worth.

Wanda was married at age 19. Her husband soon moved to Germany with the army. She purchased a house and first car before he returned home. After being married sixteen years, they were divorced and she raised three daughters, largely on her own. This adventure was made more exciting by her first two, Vicki and Debra being identical twins. (Wanda never admitted to getting them confused, but the rest of us sure have!) During her married years she completed a bachelor’s degree in education from North Texas State University.

She began teaching Sunday School at age 13 and would continue to teach and lead Bible studies through her adult life. Wanda attended Garden Ridge Church of Christ for 30 years where she was best known for constantly writing cards to visitors, the sick, participants of Celebrate Recovery, and any others she felt needed encouragement.

Wanda moved back to the ranch with her parents to care for them for the last nine years of their lives.

Eastern European Missions, which Wanda has supported for years, is a ministry very close to her heart.

Wanda did not give birth to a boy, but she has a son: son-in-law Roger Carver. He provided much care to her, converting a garage into living accommodations, where she passed. They are best friends. This care included the compiling and editing of her prayers, poems, letters and writings into a hard-copy volume titled The Life of Wanda Finley. She constantly supported this two-year project with the encouragement “Is it finished yet?”

Wanda’s survivors include the families of:

Vicki and Roger Carver: grandchildren Cody and Jayme Carver with great-grandchildren Luke, Evan and Paul, Chase Carver and fiancé Shayne Hastings, Cory and Jordan Molberg with great-grandchildren Micah, Jonah, Tinsley and Tripp, Debra and Greg Coffman: grandchildren Gregory and Amanda Coffman with great-grandchildren Thomas and Timothy, Amy and Tom Wieslaw with great-grand pets Dolce and Sailor, and Martin and Chelsea Coffman with great-grandchildren McKelvey, Adeline and Cade, Laurie and Dan Giles and grandson Paul Finley (the first and favorite grandchild).

The Memorial Service will be 1:00 pm Saturday April 11th at Garden Ridge Church of Christ in Lewisville, TX. The internment will be private.

Please give memorials to:

Eastern European Missions – P.O. Box 55245, Hurst, TX 76054

Garden Ridge Church of Christ – 102 N Garden Ridge Blvd, Lewisville, TX 75067