Today we gather to celebrate the life, legacy, and love of a remarkable woman, Wanda Goode. While our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we also come together with gratitude for the many years God allowed us to share with her. Wanda was more than a mother, grandmother, sister, partner, and friend. She was a source of strength, laughter, wisdom, and love to everyone blessed to know her.

Wanda Goode was born on August 31, 1959, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late Floyd Goode and Rebecca Goode. From humble beginnings, Wanda grew into a woman whose kindness, determination, and vibrant spirit left a lasting impact on countless lives. She possessed a unique ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Whether you were family, a friend, or someone she had just met, Wanda had a way of making you feel like you belonged.

Wanda was widely known throughout the community for her talent as a hairstylist. Braiding hair was not just a skill for her; it was an art form. Her hands worked magic, and many people proudly wore styles created by her. Through her gift of hairstyling, Wanda built relationships that lasted for years. Clients became friends, and friends became family. Even while working a full-time career, she continued braiding hair as a side business because she truly loved helping people look and feel their best.

In addition to her hairstyling talents, Wanda was an exceptional cook. Anyone who knew her knew that her kitchen was a place where memories were made. Her meals brought people together, and her famous potato salad became a favorite among family and friends. No gathering felt complete without one of Wanda's signature dishes. Cooking was her love language, and she expressed her care for others through every meal she prepared.

Wanda dedicated many years of service as a cook at Fort Lee before transitioning to Thompson Hospitality, where she continued serving others through her work at Virginia State University. She took pride in her work and was known for her strong work ethic, reliability, and caring spirit. Whether at work, at home, or in the community, Wanda gave her very best in everything she did.

Beyond her work and talents, Wanda simply loved life. She loved being surrounded by family and friends, sharing stories, laughing, and creating memories. Family meant everything to her. She was often the one bringing everyone together for cookouts, celebrations, holidays, and family gatherings. She understood the importance of staying connected and made it her mission to keep family bonds strong.

Although Wanda was the proud mother of three children, her nurturing heart extended far beyond her immediate family. She opened her heart and home to many, treating countless others as if they were her own children. Her guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love touched many lives. She believed that family was not limited to blood but was built through love, loyalty, and support.

Wanda had a presence that could never go unnoticed. From her beautifully styled hair and fashionable outfits to her warm smile and infectious personality, she lit up every room she entered. Her confidence, grace, and sense of style reflected the beauty that existed within her spirit. She was truly one of a kind.

In 2004, Wanda met the love of her life and devoted partner, Linwood Shands. Together they shared a loving and faithful relationship that endured for more than two decades. Through life's joys and challenges, Linwood remained by Wanda's side, loving and supporting her until the very end. Their bond was a testament to commitment, friendship, and unconditional love.

Most importantly, Wanda loved the Lord. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and faithfully served as a devoted member of The Pavilion of Joy in Petersburg, Virginia. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she demonstrated God's love through her service in the church's hospitality ministry. She also dedicated her time to helping feed those in need through the community food pantry. Wanda believed in caring for others, welcoming people with kindness, and serving with a joyful heart.

Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Floyd Goode and Rebecca Goode; her son, Robert Lamar Thomas; her granddaughter, Robbie Thomas (Lamariana); and seven siblings, Barbara Lynn Goode, Jean Goode, William Goode, Charles Goode, Charlotte Goode, Floyd Goode, and Baszo Goode.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted partner, Linwood Shands; her loving children, Terry Goode (Carolyn) and her only daughter, Lawanda Merritte (Kevin); her beloved grandchildren, Talia Goode, Diamond Farley, Angel Butts, Jordan Dilworth, Kevon Merritte, Zachary Goode, Lamar Finch, Kevion Merritte, Alicia Goode, Kimora Goode, Robert Lamar Thomas, Jr. and Desiree Howard; her treasured great-grandchildren, Chloe Butts, and Zy'iore A Green - Solomon; her goddaughters, Lamonya and Lamonda Jones; her devoted niece, Kathy Batts(Stuart); her siblings, Judy Moore (Kenneth), Calvin Goode, and her devoted sister, Louise Parker (Ervin); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by her love.

While we mourn Wanda's passing, we rejoice in knowing that her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the family she loved so dearly. Her laughter will echo in our memories, her wisdom will guide us, and her love will remain forever in our hearts.

As we say goodbye, we take comfort in the words of Scripture: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Wanda has completed her earthly journey and now rests peacefully in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit, her love, and her legacy will live on forever.

Rest in Heavenly Peace, Wanda Goode. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. 💜

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Kassandra Bullock, Pastor.

In accordance with the family's wishes, there will be no public viewing.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.