Wanda Folker

Wanda (Purkiss) Folker, 81, beloved mother, sister, and daughter, died February 27, 2021 at Meadowbrook Care Facility in Bellaire.  She was born July 12, 1939 at home, in Northport, to Earl Edward and Thelma Irene (O’Brien) Purkiss.

Wanda graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1959. She went on to hold numerous jobs in healthcare, and retired from Munson Hospital in 2000 where she held positions of unit clerk, central processing, and rehab assistant.

Wanda was a long time member of Mancelona Baptist church where she attended up until the time that medical needs caused her to enter the medical facility for care. She loved to sing in the choir and would often sing out even when no one heard.  Yellow roses, daisies and fresh cut grass were some of her favorite things.

Surviving are her children Gregory Wade Smith of Bellaire, Scott Earl Smith of Kingsley, grandchildren Scott Earl Smith II of Fife Lake, Tiffany Ann Smith of Kingsley, Keifer Lee Yurgaites of Bellaire, Benjamin Wade Smith of Traverse City, Olivia Marie Smith of Petoskey, Madison Amy Gilmore of Kingsley, Great grandma to Gentry, MacArthur, Lottie, Benny and Willy.  She also had numerous foster children.

She was proceded in death by her siblings James, Donald, Velma and her mother and father Earl and Thelma Purkiss.

Wanda loved Jesus, her children, grandchildren, her country, patriotism, service men and women, and Gods Word, The Bible. She loved large gatherings of family with good food to share. She is most certainly sharing time with loved ones in heaven now.

A celebration of life for Wanda will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in her honor to any local veteran’s organization.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.