Wanda June Tims

On the morning of February 14, 2025, Wanda June Tackett Tims (87) peacefully rejoined the love of her life to celebrate Valentine’s Day forever in the Kingdom of God. She was born on December 22, 1937, in Indianola, Mississippi to W. R. and Ezra Tackett. Her childhood traversed various cities around Mississippi and the south, eventually finding home in Petal, where she and her two brothers grew up amidst Grandaddy’s vegetable gardens and Grandma’s boiled peanuts. If you know the Tims’ family, then you know what an influence food has in family gatherings and daily conversation: no meal ends without discussion of the next.

 Sunday School and sermons and “picnics on the grounds” were regularly attended, and Wanda’s kids had annual visits to vacation bible school and church camp to ensure they were “bathed in the blood of Jesus Christ.” Car rides across the country and lazy weekends at home were permeated by old Southern hymns and country favorites with lyrics that reminded us to celebrate our faith and love one another. Even through more than a decade of dementia, when her memory failed and her words were lost, Wanda would tap her foot and eventually sing lyrics that were thought to be long forgotten.

 Wanda and “Top” married in 1957 at her parents’ home in Petal, leaving soon after for Top’s career in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed in Japan, Wanda gave birth to their first son, and wrote numerous letters to her mother, hoping for advice in her responses that would arrive weeks later. Wanda made a home wherever Top’s service brought them, square dancing, playing pinochle and making lifelong friends. When duty called and Top was deployed to foreign places, she served her country at home, taking on all responsibilities to raise their children and care for extended family. Every 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Veteran’s Day provided an opportunity to see Wanda and Top stand with hands over their hearts during the national anthem and sing proudly of their commitment to their country.

 In 1976, Top retired from the military and the family settled in the small St. Martin community outside of Ocean Springs. Wanda took a job at Ingall’s Shipbuilding as a file clerk to “work for a few years.” That brief stay turned into a 20+ year career as she was sent to drafting school and promoted to the planning department to assist with the development of aircraft carriers and various other ships.

 In retirement, Wanda and Top concentrated first on the role of caregiver to Wanda’s dad. Never complaining, the two spent years ensuring his comfort and safety until his death. Seeing first to others, then finally to their golden years, Wanda and Top spent many vacations visiting family and friends, as seeing the world was not nearly as much of a priority as was being with the people who mattered most in their lives.

 Wanda’s final years were filled with cookouts, crosswords, and grandkids…at first at home, then at Azalea Gardens Nursing Center in Wiggins, Mississippi. She is preceeded in death by her husband, Hubert “Top” Tims (2017). The faith and love shown to their family and shared with their friends is carried on through their children: Michael (Suzy) Tims, John (Eva) Tims, Vicki (Walter) Smith, and Misty (Todd) Helgeson. They were blessed with thirteen grandchildren: Jason Smith, Jonathan (Shanna) Smith, Stephen Coblentz, Rick Helgeson, Riley Maaya, Jason Helgeson, Robin Maaya, Landon (Allie) Tims, Emily (Trey) Dudley, Camryn Deere, Timothy White (deceased), Alex (Rachel) White, Kristen (Andrew) David, and 16 great-grandchildren.

 Visitation will be held Thursday, February 20, 2024 from 10:00am-11:30am with a funeral service immediately following, Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39532. Burial prayer will take place at 1:30 at the Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39531.

 In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions may be made “In Memory of Wanda Tims” to the Azalea Gardens Nursing Center Activity Fund, C/O Rochelle Havard, 530 Hall Street, Wiggins, MS 39577. The consistent creative and social activities provided by the staff at Azalea Gardens provided our mom with numerous opportunities to connect with her neighbors and gain much needed interaction in her final days of life. It is our wish that we provide funding to continue these efforts long after our mother’s departure.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. in West Jackson County Biloxi, is proudly serving the Tims family.  Share memories, condolences and photos by visiting our website at www.riemannfamily.com