Wanda Gail Carr
August 31, 1952 – May 24, 2023 (age 70)
Wanda Gail Carr was born in Copeland, Florida on August 31, 1952 to the late Green ” Sonny” Carr and Emma Lee Marshall Carr. Her parents moved the family to Ocala, Florida to be near her late maternal grandmother Queen E. Bright Marshall. She was educated in the Marion County Public School System and graduated from Forest High School and Central Florida Community College. Beyond her ever present smile, that was warm and inviting, she was known for her outstanding cooking skills. From the Elks Lodge in Ocala to Clarksville, Tennessee, she constantly amazed people with her delicious culinary offerings from entrees to desserts. She ultimately retired as a Head Chef from Quantico Marine Corps Base, Virginia. Wanting to remain active she was later employed by COSTCO Wholesale. Additionally, her skills as a seamstress were second to none. Continuing her commitment to serving others, she united with the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Stafford, Virginia, where she served faithfully as an Usher.
Wanda married Willie Washington Jr. of Ocala. From this union, two handsome sons were born, who, in turn, gave her two beautiful granddaughters that she simply adored. Nothing made her smile more than when she spent time with them. As a Marine Corps wife, she traveled and met many new friends across the country. Later, as she traveled and relocated on her own, she continued to encounter people who could not help but be drawn to her warm and loving personality and character.
After a full life of sharing her love and optimism with family and others, she left this earthly home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. She is preceded in death by her father, mother, sister Frankie Carr and bonus dad Arthur “Bubba ” Gillum. Additionally, maternal grandparents Robert and Queen Marshall, and paternal grandparents Will and Lucy Carr. She will be truly missed by those who knew and loved her. Her sons Malcolm (Amy) and Tyana (Chrissy) Washington: granddaughters Alyssa and Trinity: sisters, Eunice Carr, Pamela Gillum, Donna Sibley (Dale), Antionette and Cassandra Carr. Brothers: Patrick Gillum (Concheita), Renfroe (Faye) and Sonny Carr Jr. Uncle Earnest “Chico” Gordon. True Friends: Nancy Haskins, Ann Henson and Mary L. Jones and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving friends.