Wanda McKay Lowery Sawtelle died peacefully on Sept. 30, 2026, at the age of 78. A lifelong resident of Jasper, Ala., she will be remembered for her spirit of generosity, her commitment to the hundreds of young students who passed through her classroom and, most of all, her love for her family and friends.
Wanda was born on March 24, 1948, in Lamar County, Ala., to Jefferson and Myrtle McKay. She was a curious child, an eager helper and a committed pupil, all traits that led her to earn a degree in 1969 from Jacksonville State University, a path her brother, David, paid for after enlisting in the U.S. Navy.
For several years, Wanda served children and families in the area as a social worker. Eventually, though, she desired more time with the children who were her reason for the work, so she returned to school and earned her Master of Arts in teaching from University Alabama at Birmingham in 1980. From then until she retired in 2005, Wanda taught at multiple Walker Country elementary schools and took great pride in being Miss Lowery and later Miss Sawtelle to the many children whose lives she touched over the years.
But her greatest role was as mother and, later, grandmother. Wanda was fiercely proud of her two boys, Stephen and Jonathan, and would frequently share their successes with friends and acquaintances she ran into around town.
Wanda rediscovered her love for piano later in life and shared that joy with her grandchildren and grandchildren-in-love, who enjoyed sitting on the bench while she played Christmas carols or children’s tunes. Grandma Wanda kept a fairytale grandmother’s home, always filled with sweet treats and plentiful surprises. She adored reading to her grandchildren and hearing stories about their lives and adventures.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents Jefferson and Myrtle McKay; brother, David McKay; and sister, Bettye McKay Briscoe.
She is survived by her sons Stephen Lowery (Wanda) and Jonathan Lowery (Brooklyn); grandchildren Asher Lowery and Salem Lowery; grandchildren-in-love Marley Perry, Layla Smith and Samantha Wilson; and numerous dear friends.
The family will hold a private graveside service on Saturday. Flowers can be sent to Collins-Burke Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home of Alabama in Eldridge, where Wanda worked for many years.
