Wanda Walker

Wanda Mattie Walker, Tulsa, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2024, after a brief illness. She was 90 years old.

Wanda was born Oct. 20, 1933, in Springdale, AR, to George Henry and Golda Ernestine (Harris) Pults. At age 9, Wanda contracted Polio, which resulted in her requiring extended hospitalization for surgeries and rehabilitation in the hospital in Warm Springs, GA, presently known as the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute.

Wanda attended Springdale schools, graduating from high school in 1953, an endeavor made possible by her father and classmates who carried her up the steps of the school so that she could attend regular classes. She quietly practiced walking across the stage at her high school graduation with braces and crutches, surprising her father with her achievement, as he had not seen her walk since childhood. She graduated as a member of The National Honor Society and served in many organizations, including newspaper, and yearbook.

Wanda attended Okmulgee A&M Tech for secretarial training, graduating in 1955. She continued to be active in the student community and was named Popularity Queen, as well as Okmulgee's City Beautification Queen.

Upon graduating, Wanda married Ed Walker, who had been a high school sweetheart. The couple divorced in 1957 but reunited in 2001 and enjoyed a 21-year companionship together until Ed's passing in 2022.

Wanda began her professional career at the rehabilitation hospital in Hot Springs, AR, moving to Liberal, KS, in 1967 to continue work as a secretary for National Helium. In 1974, she moved to Tulsa with her young daughter to continue work for Cities Service (later Occidental Oil) as a region clerk. She retired from Occidental in 1990.

Wanda remained active in her community, serving on the Tulsa Mayor's Commission for Accessibility, which advised placement of parking, curb cuts, and other accessibility practices to make the city more navigable for individuals who had disabilities. This work ultimately contributed to the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. She served as the secretary for her condominium association for more than 20 years and also volunteered in the Tulsa Library's literacy program, helping children with reading.

Wanda is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and Tom Speers of Traverse City, MI, grandchild, Jordan Speers of Traverse City, and brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Rosie Pults of Groveland, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as all of her siblings - Betty Jo Considine, Diana Anglin, and Eddie Pults.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. April 24th at Schaudt's Funeral Service in Tulsa. Online attendance is available via the funeral service website. Burial will be in Springdale.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to March of Dimes.