Dr. Wanda Leigh Price, 78, passed away peacefully Feb. 20, 2024. Wanda was born on April 29, 1945, and raised in Blacksburg.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Ribble Price and Myrtle Kathleen Swaim Price; her sisters, Odessa Price Phillips and Peggy Price McKendree; and her brother Derl Dudley Price. She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law Jack Cromer. She is survived by her sister, Freda Jean Price Cromer of Hickory N.C., and many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Blacksburg High School (class of 1963), Wanda set her sights on education and travel. She attended and graduated from Warner Pacific University (Class of 1967). She then earned her master’s degree from Radford University (Class of 1972). Wanda later attended Virginia Tech and graduated in the Class of 1985 with her Doctoral Degree.
Early in life Wanda traveled and even lived in many areas outside of her home state of Virginia, but her love for the community and the people of her hometown would always bring her back to Blacksburg. She retired from Montgomery County Public Schools after many years of teaching and working in administration. After retirement she taught at Radford University.
Wanda was a lifetime educator, so left to mourn her are a multitude of colleagues, friends, and students. She prided herself on her past students. She often shared her hopes that in some small way she had made a difference in each and every one of their lives.
Wanda loved and admired the miracles of life. She sought to see the miracles in animals, friends, crafts, and literature. Education, photography, travel, and music were major focuses in her life. She loved visiting with old friends and making new ones. She had the unique ability to see talent and abilities in people through a simple conversation. She was supportive and enjoyed encouraging people to live their dreams.
Wanda was an exceptional basket weaver. She loved making and selling crafts. She enjoyed playing the piano, singing, and even played the bells and sang in the choir at Blacksburg United Methodist Church.
Wanda enjoyed laughter and will be remembered for her unique ability to remember and share jokes. She saw beauty everywhere, from the laughter of children to the sounds of the ocean, and even in a simple wildflower. She loved the birds in her backyard, her beautiful flower gardens, playing tennis, and anything she could capture through the lens of her camera. Wanda traveled extensively including to many foreign countries, capturing memories, landscaping, and people along the way with her photography. She would want those left behind to search for the beauty of this world just like she did.
Wanda once delivered the commencement at a graduation of her students at Blacksburg High School. She read from Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” Her favor quote from that address: “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away.”
A Celebration of Life will be held April 29, 2024 (her birthday) at 11 a.m. at Blacksburg Christian Church, 240 Watson Ave., Blacksburg. At Wanda’s request we will have chocolate cake and yellow roses. If you can’t join us that day, please have a piece of chocolate in remembrance of Wanda. In lieu of flowers it was Wanda’s request that donations be made in her name to Animal Hope Alliance or your local hospice.
