DEWITT — Wanda Faye Parker Criswell,

left this worldly life on December 21, 2021, at the DeWitt Nursing home with her son Harold and sister Linda (Parker) Johnson by her side. Wanda was born on May 31, 1932, in Possum Waller, also known as Big LaGrue a small community about seven miles from DeWitt, Arkansas, to Eston Parker and Willie Eason Parker. At 14 while attending a revival by Bro. Bill Wiggings at Big LaGrue Baptist church she accepted the Lord as her Savior and was baptized in a nearby creek. Years later that same preacher married her and Luke. First and foremost, Wanda loved the Lord and her family. Through the years she worked with her husband Luke in the many businesses they owned including the Esso station, the Esso Bulk Plant, and the Gordon Motel. She was always faithfully by her husband Luke’s side as he served as pastor of several churches in Arkansas County during his 48 years in the ministry.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 60 years, L.H. (Luke) Criswell, sisters, Anna Mae Tolbert, Berniece Clemons, brothers, Ernest, William, and Roger. Wanda is survived by her son, Harold and wife Janet, four grandchildren, Candice Criswell of Jonesboro, Courtney Criswell of George Town, Grand Cayman, Callie Criswell Blecher (Haldan) of Albany, New York, and Annie Criswell (Connor) of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by brothers, James Parker of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Steve Parker (Beverly) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and sister, Linda (Parker) Johnson (Johnny) of DeWitt.

The Family would like to thank Margie McPherson, Martha Moyer, the caregivers and staff from Hospice Home Care Pine Bluff, DeWitt City Hospital, and the Dewitt Hospital Nursing Home for their dedicated care and compassion for our dear Wanda Faye. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Humphrey Baptist Church, P.O. Box 16, Humphrey, Ark., 72073. Cremation arrangements by Essex Funeral Home. www.essexfuneralhome.com