PINE BLUFF — Wanda McBurnett Bateman,
one of Pine Bluff’s most faithful and active citizens, passed away Friday, February 7, 2020. Her smiling face, hard work, and positive attitude about her community will be missed by many.
Born March 6, 1942 at Sheridan, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Lenson McBurnett and Juanita Nutt McBurnett. She moved to White Hall as a child and graduated from White Hall High School.
As a young woman, she worked for several years at the National Bank of Commerce. Wanda began her long career in real estate as a realtor for B.R. Henry. She began her property management business with the Snooty Fox Apartment Complex, one of the first in White Hall, and owned many other properties. She also operated Margland II Bed and Breakfast Inn for 35 years.
As an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church for many years, she served on the Vestry numerous times and as Senior Warden for one term and Junior Warden twice. She also organized and provided many beautiful receptions at Trinity.
Wanda’s public achievements were many. She served on local boards for organizations such as Neighbor to Neighbor, CASA, and the American Cancer Society. She also championed the annual Summer Cereal Drive sponsored by THV11 and the Arkansas Foodbank. For several years, she was the number one cereal collector and fundraiser, with several larger organizations in a distant second place
Along with her parents, her brother, Billy Dean McBurnett predeceased her. Survivors include her daughter, Deana Bateman Bailey; two grandchildren, Alex Bailey and Drake Bailey (who lovingly referred to their grandmother as “Missy”); and her life partner of 40 years, Ed Thompson.
Wanda’s memorial service will be held Wednesday, February 12, 2020, 1 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church with the Rev. C.B. Baker officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Arrangements are by Ralph Robinson and Son.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 703 West 3rd Avenue, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601; or to the Jefferson County Humane Society, Post Office Box 2233, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71613. Online condolences may be made at RalphRobinsonandSon.com.
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