Wanda Lois Clayton-Roath

Wanda Lois Clayton-Roath, lovingly known as GG, Mom, and Mama, passed away peacefully on February 21 at the age of 86, surrounded by her family. Born on January 20, 1939, in Horton, TX, she was the daughter of Mona and Joseph Clayton. In 1962, Wanda married Donald Roath, and together they moved to Illinois, where they built a life filled with love and faith. She worked as an office manager before the family relocated to Lancaster, TX, in 1982, where she embraced her most cherished role—being a full-time mother. A devout Jehovah’s Witness since the early 1950s, Wanda dedicated her life to preaching the good news. She never missed an opportunity to share her faith and found great comfort in her favorite scripture, Revelation 21:3-5. She was a guiding light to those around her, always offering wisdom, kindness, and encouragement. Wanda was the strongest woman anyone ever knew. Through every challenge life threw her way, she stood firm in her faith, her love for her family, and her unwavering resilience. She led with grace, courage, and an unshakable spirit that inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Beyond her faith and family, Wanda had a love for simple joys—especially a good game of Yahtzee. With every roll of the dice, she’d remind everyone, “It’s all in the wrist.” Whether she was teaching a new generation how to play or sharing stories of faith, her presence was a source of warmth, laughter, and love. She also had a deep love for her dogs, who were always by her side. They brought her endless joy, companionship, and comfort throughout the years, and she cared for them with the same kindness and devotion she showed to everyone in her life. She is survived by her children: John Bailey and wife, Marsha, Joseph Bailey, Wannetta Crim, Georgia Bader and husband Scott, along with her adopted sons, Alan and Jon Roath. She was a cherished grandmother to Georgia, Jessica, Turner, Aaron, Jillian, Skylar, Bailey, Alanna, Kendra, Parker, Isabella, Jon II, Jaxon, Payson, Emerson, and Lawson. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, ten siblings, and her beloved grandson, Joseph Bailey II. Her unwavering faith, loving heart, competitive spirit at the Yahtzee table, and the way she cherished her dogs will be deeply missed but forever remembered. With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” A celebration of Wanda’s life will be at 2:00pm on Monday, February 24, 2025 at Byrum Funeral Home Chapel with visitation beginning at 12:00pm. Interment will follow at Edgewood Cemetery.

Wanda Lois Clayton-Roath

January 20, 1939 - February 21, 2025