Wanda McConnell

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Wanda Louise Shell McConnell, whose hope was in the Lord took her heavenly flight Tuesday, November 28, 2017 with her loving husband and granddaughter by her side after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Born in Bonnie Blue (Lee County), Virginia in 1937, Wanda was the youngest child of William H. and Lillie Mae Vermillion Shell. She moved to Gate City in 1952 and graduated from Shoemaker High School in 1956. Wanda was the first secretary at Gate City High School and began her banking career at First National Bank of Gate City in 1958 retiring from Bank of America in 1996. After retirement, she worked for her daughter as a legal secretary for a short period of time.

In 1965, Wanda and Bob with their children moved to the Manville community where she became an active member of the community. She was a past president of the Manville Ruritan Club and past secretary of the Manville Community Center, Inc. Wanda was a faithful member of Alleys Chapel United Methodist Church, serving as church treasurer for over 25 years and also as church trustee. Wanda was a charter member of Scott County Rotary Club, an honorary lifetime member, past president, treasurer, director, and twice over Paul Harris Fellow. She was a charter member of the Scott County Chamber of Commerce as well as past president and director. Wanda was an active member of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association until her health prevented her from participating and enjoyed 18th century re-enacting.

In addition to her parents, Wanda was predeceased by her sisters Jean Bray and Nancy Johnson and her brothers, Everette, Harold, Edward, and Charles Shell.

Wanda is survived by her husband of 59 years, Robert (Bob) McConnell; her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Ann McConnell and Christopher Edwards of Duffield; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey Wade and Yvonne McConnell of Pulaski, Virginia; two grandchildren whom she dearly loved, Madison Edwards and Matthew Edwards; her beloved sister, Rella Tate; beloved sister-in-law, Wenonoah Shell; special cousin Judy Carver; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and her cat Toby.

The family will receive friends Thursday, November 30, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gate City United Methodist Church, 255 Walnut Street, Gate City, with services at 7:00 p.m. officiated by Rev. Gordon McBride and Rev. Bob Cloud. Music will be provided by InaChordance and Vicki Smith. Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Pendleton Cemetery on Sorrel Creek Lane in the Manville community. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Alleys Chapel United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund c/o Jessica Kaarlela, 6429 Manville Road, Gate City, Virginia.

Special thanks to the compassionate caregivers of Wellmont Hospice and Linda Jackson of Mountain Region Family Medicine.