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Wanda Beth (Holder) Harmon was born in Durant, Oklahoma on September 16, 1942 to Elberg Houston and Bessie Ann (McCarty) Holder. The fourth of ten children, Wanda was a second mother to her younger siblings and throughout her life was a fierce protector of those she loved.
She married her best friend and soulmate, Donald Harmon, on November 16, 1958 and together they shared a life of 64 years, 35 weeks and 4 days. They had four daughters who, along with their own children and grandchildren, were the center of Wanda’s life.
For those who knew her, Wanda was the Rock of Gibraltar – a place of comfort and security. Family and friends knew she would be there in good times and bad – and over the years it was unusual to find a time when she and Don had not opened their home for someone to stay as long as needed.
Wanda lived in Durant all her life and would not have wanted it any other way. She loved to travel, had an adventurous spirit and a lifelong passion for learning. She had a wicked sense of humor, loved a good game of dominos and “girls trips” with her sisters and daughters.
On Sunday, July 23 Wanda left this world and was welcomed into Heaven by joyous cries from her daughter Darla Jean Shearer, and granddaughter Melissa BethAnn Coker. Also proceeding Wanda in death were her parents and her siblings Carolyn House, Debbie Mimms, Larry Jack Holder, JoAnn Shinn and Melba Ruth Holder.
Heaven’s gain is our loss and Wanda’s absence will be felt deeply by those she has left behind. We know she immediately petitioned God to be allowed to keep watching over her loved ones here on Earth – her Sweetheart Don, Children Becky (and William) Coker, Carla (and Kelly) Kidd, and Elizabeth (and Steven) Hall, Grandchildren Derek (and Riley) Coker, Colby (and Katy) Hicks, Luke Kidd, Michael Kidd, and Connor, Caitlyn and Cooper Hall, Greatgrandchildren Will, Molly, and Evan Coker, Kai Pratt, NoraLynn, Kennedy, and Claire Hicks, Son of her heart Chuck Varner, Siblings Linda (and Charles) Howell, Donna Holder, Buddy Holder, and Jessie (and Rhonda) Holder, as well as her many extended family members and friends.
Wanda’s life was centered around family, love, and laughter. True to her nature she didn’t want “a sad ceremony with everyone sitting around crying.” Please join us to honor her wishes with a final Family and Friends Reunion on Sunday, September 17, 1pm, at the Visual Performing Arts Center, 1614 N 1st Ave, Durant. We will share delicious food, great memories (come prepared to share!), laughter, and games.
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