Wanda Jane Burleson, 80, passed away early Sunday morning, March 16, 2025, at the North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice Unit. She was born August 30, 1944, in Itawamba County to Woodrow and Gladys Rebecca Barber Mears. She was a homemaker and most recently worked at Ben Mears’ Taxidermy. She previously worked at Reeds and Blue Bell Manufacturing and as a babysitter. She was a member of the Gloster Street Church of Christ. She was an avid reader who loved listening to music, gardening, shopping, and cooking, especially making cakes.
A memorial service to honor her life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Mantachie with Ministers Windell Fikes and Jimmy Bates officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, and from noon until service time Thursday at the funeral home.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Paul Burleson of Mooreville; one son, Mike Burleson (Monica) and one daughter, Paula Dunaway (Gene), both of Saltillo; one sister, Mary Ellen “Tink” Houston of Tupelo; ten grandchildren, Rebekah Payne, Brad Burleson, Brittany Robinson, Doug Payne, Bridget Luna, Spencer Burleson, Brylee Dunaway, Jake Henson, Cooper Burleson, and Paisley Strong; and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one daughter, Angie Payne; her parents, Woodrow and Gladys Mears; and one brother, Joe Mears.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
