(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Wanda Marie Blount, 87, of Joplin, Missouri passed from this life to her heavenly home on June 30,2025, with her family by her side.
Wanda was born on April 18, 1938, in Escalon, California to the union of Charles and Martha (Henley) Smith. She graduated from Turlock, California High School with academic honors where she was a member of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF).
Wanda married Freddie Eugene (Gene) Blount on April 23, 1955, in Turlock, California. Soon after their marriage, Gene was called to serve in the U.S. Army. While serving in the military, for 2 years Wanda and Gene lived in Aschaffenburg, Germany. After returning to Turlock, California they established their first home.
Wanda was involved in music at an early age, being 1st Violinist in her 8th Grade and High School Orchestra.
Wanda was a member of Faith Assembly of God Church in Joplin, MO at the time of her death. Throughout her adult life, Wanda served in Women’s Ministries in every church they attended. She took a great interest in mentoring young women throughout her church life. In addition, Wanda was involved in music ministry as an organist, pianist, and vocalist. She was a member of the trio, “Sounds of Faith” for many years.
While in California, Wanda was employed at Tri Valley Growers where she was a lab technician and a supervisor.
Due to Gene’s job transfer, they moved to Carthage, Missouri in 1988 and then to Joplin, Missouri in 2004.
Survivors include two sons; Kirk (Martha) Blount of Carthage, Missouri and Kevin (Ronda) Blount of Turlock, California, one daughter; Karyn Blount of Joplin, Missouri, four grandchildren; Ryan (Shavonne) Blount of Turlock, California, Rachelle (Flavio) Mendes of St. John, Florida, Hunter Blount (Alissa) of Joplin, Missouri and Hannah Blount (Derrick X. Fofanah} of Rowlett, Texas, five great-grandchildren; Tayton and Brodie Blount, Victoria and Olivia Mendes, and Derrick F. Fofanah, and many nieces and nephews as well as a host of close friends.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, in January of 2017, her parents; Charles and Martha Henley Smith and one brother; Charles, and his wife Alice Smith.
Services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am.
Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City, Missouri.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Assembly of God Church in Joplin, Missouri.
Gene and Wanda were always an inspiration with their music and ministry and were dear long time friends. They worked with my dad and mom as pastors in the early 1960s in Turlock and at Northside Assembly. Wanda was such a loving and caring person and Gene was a special man as well. Kevin and Rhonda , Peace and love to you and your brother and sister as well. Sincerely, Dan Burchett
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