Wanda Patricia Grace

Mrs. Wanda Patricia Grace, age 83, passed away peacefully at home in Hiawassee on May 11, 2026, following an extended illness. She passed with Thomas Grace, her husband/soulmate of nearly thirty-nine years, at her side. Mrs. Grace was born on December 17, 1942, in Dacula, GA, the daughter of Kathleen Price Patrick and Webster Patrick. Wanda adored her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ila Lee Price, who had a great impact on the woman she would become. She also greatly loved her maternal Uncle Jimmy Price, maternal Aunt Margaret Price, Aunt Betty Price Walker, and Aunt Marie Gravitt Price, all of whom preceded her.

In earlier years, Wanda was involved in health care. She served as an operating room scrub nurse at the old St. Joseph Infirmary in Atlanta and later as a doctor's office manager.

As the world turned and with a strong stroke of fate on July 27, 1987, Wanda met Thomas Grace, the man she gave the rest of her life and all of her love to. As things developed, the little girl who waved at trains from her grandmother's backyard in Dacula, GA, and dreamed about where they were going, became herself the great lady of White Rose Hall at 809 Old Post Road in Madison, GA. But the world was to turn again and, this time, Wanda and Tom were to find themselves in Hiawassee in August 1996. They were helped by her late brother Eddie Patrick, who was a Vietnam Veteran.

During her nearly thirty years in Hiawassee, she became known to many for her volunteer services at the VFW thrift store. Her long-time dedication to the thrift store showed pride for her father, two brothers, and two of her sons who served in the U.S. military.

Miss Wanda Patty was all about family. Vacations were always joyfully spent visiting or hosting children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, cousins, and sole-surviving brother, Wayne Patrick. She also spearheaded family reunions, which she made sure were held in Hiawassee.

Wanda was very old-fashioned and pure country with a mix of urban sophistication. She was a free spirit and did things her way. Music, in particular old-style country music, was her great joy. She was also an accomplished dancer; once dancing with Liberace on stage at one of his Atlanta concerts.

Wanda was very frugal with herself and generous to a fault with others. Raised Baptist, she was very private about her beliefs. She simply loved her Jesus and tried to live according to his teachings. This manifested itself in giving to numerous charities.

Miss Wanda Patty will be deeply missed by all who knew her- to know her was to love her. As her Mr. Tom has said, "Nothing will ever be the same again-love you Lovie." Wanda Patty and Thomas were truly a romance for the ages! Life without you is going to be bluer than blue.

Surviving Mrs. Grace are her loving husband and soulmate Thomas Grace of Hiawassee; her four children: Steven Bailey of Hiawassee, Donnie Bailey of Woodstock, Terrie Holder of Fort Payne, Ala, and Martin Wallace. Also survived by ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; brother Wayne Patrick of Jefferson; first cousin Pamela Curtis of Maryville, TN, and other cousins; 2 nieces and one nephew. Pets were also very important to Wanda-Cats; Muffin and Hogwood; Dogs; Sassy Lady and Spooky.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to have served the Family of Wanda Patricia Grace.

Donations in Wanda's name may be made to Feed the Children, ASPCA, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.