Wanda Marshall (1932–2025) was a longtime volunteer and board member with the Arlington Historical Society.
I met Wanda in 2021 when I started volunteering with the Arlington Historical Society, getting to know her as we served together as board members. I attended her 90th birthday at the Fielder Museum in 2022. Even at her own party, she gave tours of the World War II room—a special project of hers—and continued to share her passion for Arlington’s history. She also treated us to a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” both singing and playing the Fielder piano. It was such an impromptu, brief moment that only a few people were around to see it. It had the charm of an old vaudeville act—a wisp of an enchanting performance I’ll never forget.
Wanda Marshall (1932–2025)
I remember Wanda’s tireless devotion and advocacy, especially for Arlington’s World War II history. Her efforts helped create the World War II Memorial in Downtown Arlington, including the remembrance for Medal of Honor recipient Neel E. Kearby. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for local military history were unmatched, ensuring that those who served were honored and recognized. Her research and preservation efforts have been an inspiration to me.
It was a sad day when she passed away, and I was honored to attend her funeral. Even though I only knew her for a few years, she was almost like a grandmother to me. Wanda had a comforting smile and a sparkle in her eye; she was full of life and brought joy to many.
I wrote a poem about her after she passed. It’s a simple tribute, but I think she would have liked it.
Wanda
A head of curly, gray hair
And a twinkle in her eye
She was a kind and gentle soulOh, it’s too much to bear
When the grand ones die
Listen to hear the church bell toll
The following text is from her obituary.
Wanda Ann Marshall
August 25, 1932 — May 10, 2025
www.wadefamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/wanda-marshall
Wanda Ann Marshall, 92, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025 after a short battle with lung disease.
Born at home in Fort Worth, Texas, and raised in Dalworthington Gardens (Arlington), Wanda was the youngest of four in the Roberson family. She had a deep love for learning and thrived in school—she often said, “It was a great time to be a teenager.” While attending Arlington High School, she met her high school sweetheart, Charles Marshall. Wanda graduated at just 16 and went on to attend Arlington State College (now UTA) while working. Five years later, she and Charles married and began a life of adventure together.
Their journey took them to Royal Oak, Michigan, where they welcomed their first two children, Alan and Laura. They later moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where their youngest daughter, Jennifer, was born. After 18 years in Indiana, Wanda and Charles returned to Arlington and built their beloved home—a place that became the heart of their family. There, their home grew with love as they welcomed their first grandchild, Miranda. Throughout their marriage, Wanda and Charles traveled the world together, visiting many countries and creating cherished memories.
Wanda was a lifelong, devout Christian whose faith guided every part of her life. In their later years, she and Charles found a spiritual home at Rush Creek Church. It was there that Wanda helped deepen Charles’s faith—he often said she was his guardian angel, sent to look after him. While Wanda had always walked closely with the Lord, Rush Creek became a place of renewal and connection for them both. They formed many close friendships within the church community, where Wanda was known for her unwavering devotion, sincere love, and the warmth she shared so freely with others.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Wanda’s kindness, strength, and independent spirit touched everyone who knew her. Her lifelong passion for research and history led her to volunteer for over 30 years with the Arlington Historical Society. There, she became a passionate educator, sharing stories of World War II and honoring Arlington’s hometown heroes who served and sacrificed. Her dedication played a vital role in preserving local history and contributed to the founding of the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington. Wanda was honored by the City of Arlington with a proclamation recognizing her invaluable contributions to the city’s heritage. Among her many discoveries was Arlington’s first known Medal of Honor recipient, Col. Neel Kearby—an effort that led to the statue erected in his honor. Her work also contributed to the creation of a monument memorializing the local boys who were lost in World War II.
Wanda will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and community. Her legacy lives on in the stories she told, the history she preserved, and the lessons she passed down to those who loved her.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Marshall; her siblings; and her parents. She is survived by her children: Alan (Gloria) Marshall, Laura Taylor, and Jennifer (Richard) Jordan; her grandchildren: Miranda Marshall, Charlie Jordan, Sydney Jordan, Corey Marshall, and Colton Marshall; and her great-grandchild, Oliver Marshall.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15th, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway. The Funeral Service will take place on Friday, May 16th, at 1:00 p.m., also at Wade Family Funeral Home. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Fielder House Museum, 1616 W. Abram Street Arlington, Tx 76013
Wanda will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Moore Memorial Gardens during a private family service on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, Wanda wished you to consider a donation to be made to Arlington Historical Society, Arlington High School Alumni Association or Rush Creek Church in Arlington.
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 05-10-26
Jason S. Sullivan 