It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wanda Clayton James of Olive Branch, MS and Memphis, TN on Friday, August. 19, 2022. Wanda passed away after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. She was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to to honor her legacy and live on through her spirit.

Wanda was born in 1949 in New Orleans, LA. Having moved to Memphis, TN she graduated from Oakhaven HS and attend Memphis College of Art receiving her BFA and MFA in Fine Arts. Wanda had a kind, nurturing, creative spirit that touched so many lives from teaching children in the MCA Saturday School Program, Arts in the Schools, demonstrating and serving as a judge at the Pink Palace Crafts Fair to teaching Art History at the University of Memphis, MCA, Southwest TN CC and Arkansas State University Mid-South Community College. She had a true spirit of connecting and supporting others through art and education. She also had a deep love of history, genealogy and travel as well as weaving, papermaking and quilting.

Wanda leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Raymond James, two children, Annette James Moore and Clayton James, her beloved grandson, Logan Moore, brother Terry Clayton, son-in-law Steve Moore, daughter-in-law Lisa Jones, sister-in-law Joyce Box and nephew Daniel Box.

Wanda's love for history stems back to her father's service in the military's and participation in WWII during the invasion of Normandy on DDay, June 6 1944. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to the National World War II Museum which she so loved and supported. National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA