Obituaries

Wanda K. Hatcher, 74, of Galax Va and formerly of Bristol Tennessee, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 11, 2023, at home. She was born November 7, 1949, in Bristol VA the daughter of the late Jasper and Annie Mae Bowman Pendergrass.

She graduated from high school in Bluff City TN and later obtained a Cosmetology degree, and then pursued an accounting degree.

She is survived by the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Tony J. Hatcher. Married for 54 years, they were married on June 21, 1969. Together, they created a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories. Their love was the epitome of devotion, and it served as an inspiration to all who knew them.

Her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence led her to several jobs during her life. Wanda was employed as a cosmetologist, an office manager for Ed Beck Real Estate in Northern VA, a front desk clerk and supervisor at Ramada Inn in NC, customer service representative at Workwear in Greensboro NC. She was also employed as a courier and a billing clerk for Spectrum Laboratories in High Point NC, from where she retired.

Her memberships were numerous. She was a member of the Sunset Village Baptist Church in Bristol Tennessee and Northwoods Baptist Church in Winston-Salem NC where she was a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed being a member of the Jaycettes of Pfafftown NC where she held several positions including President. Wanda was also a member of the Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway and active in many projects there.

After her retirement, she was a very active volunteer at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Houstonfest and the Galax Leaf and String Festival.

An avid dancer, one of her greatest enjoyments alongside her husband was her memberships in three square dancing groups, including Western Square Dancing, Appalachian Square Dancing, clog and flat shoe dancing.

Among her many passions, Wanda found great joy in dancing. She could often be found on the dance floor. It was during these moments that her vibrant spirit truly shined, bringing smiles to the faces of those lucky enough to witness her moves.

A selfless and generous person, Wanda will be remembered for her kind heart, her beautiful and warm smile which extended effortlessly to all of those around her. She enjoyed cooking and was well known as a cleanliness and grammar “Queen”. Wanda’s gentle soul drew everyone she encountered to her, and she was a true friend to everyone she met. She was a loving mother and Grammy that lived life to the fullest in every day.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters: Cindy Covington of Aledo Tx and Tammy Germini and her husband Lou of Shamokin Dam Pa. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Kayla and Katie Germini and Rayne Covington; all of whom she adored. She is also survived by one sister, Bobbie Rutledge of Blountville TN. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by four brothers: Bill, Clayton, Jackie and Freddie and three sisters: Betty, Mary Sue and Peggy.

A private Celebration of Life will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Village Baptist Church 214 Johnson Ave. Bristol Tennessee 37620.