Mrs. Wanda Gracine Jones Corbett, daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Edward Jones and Mrs. Alice Audrey Tyler Jones, departed this life on Thursday, August 14, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Ellis David Corbett: maternal aunt, Debora LaBruce Tyler Howard; maternal aunt, Thurmae Tyler Anderson (Carol); maternal uncle, Ovid Tyler; maternal cousin, Wayne Howard; and devoted godfather, Colonel (Ret.) Porcher L. Taylor, Jr.

Wanda was confirmed at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on January 9, 1966. She was confirmed by Father Mason and Bishop Rose of the Southern Diocese of Virginia. Wanda matriculated in the Petersburg Public School System and graduated from Petersburg High School in 1973. After high school, she attended Virginia State University where she played clarinet in the marching band. She was initiated in the fall of 1974 into Alpha Eta Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Incorporated. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education in 1978 and taught throughout Richmond and Petersburg Public School System throughout the years. She retired from Westview Early Childhood Education Center as the Lead Literacy Instructor in 2020.

Wanda was an extraordinary creative.  She was more than a teacher, she was an artist of life.  She had a gift of bringing out creativity in the children she taught engaging their minds, hands and hearts in class projects.  A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill a love of learning.  Wanda did all of these naturally.  Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she had a gift of making learning fun.  She helped shape futures for her students and left a positive mark on every life she touched.

Wanda's astounding lessons reached beyond the classrooms. As a woman of God, wife, mother and grandmother, she embodied grace, and relentlessness. She curated unique experiences for her children that notably left core memories lasting a lifetime. Wanda was the true definition of selflessness and talent that shaped the world around her, a true blessing, who radiated kindness, and integrity. More than a mother, she also doubled as a girl's best friend. Her light will never dim, for her legacy remains in the hearts and spirits of her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Jodi Tyler Corbett; son, Jamie Antwan Corbett (Tiana); four grandchildren, Asia Capri Corbett, Aiden Taylor Corbett, Aubrey Milan Corbett and Willow Chanel Corbett; devoted godmother, Mrs. Ann C. Taylor; cousins, Virginia Mann and Janice Mann, Monika Gross (Lou), Paula McCapes, Phillipa Poindexter, Clinton Howard, Michael Tyler, Tracy Caiati (Michael), and Cecilia Land, Porcher Taylor III (April), Cheryl Taylor, Angela Butler (Harold) and Vernita Taylor; goddaughter, Cherra Hampton-Mitchell; and her devoted friends, Zenobia "Pinkie" Hampton-Mitchell, Beverly Harris, and Diane T Middleton.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 228 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA.

Charitable contributions in Wanda's honor can be made to SOAR (Supporting Older Adults Through Resources, Inc.), P.O. Box 1603 Frederick, MD 21702 ( https://soarfrederick.org/support-soar/ ).

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.