Wanda Sue Mansfield, 77, of Benton, died June 12, 2012. She was born September 23, 1935 in Bauxite, Arkansas to Bernard Arkel and Mary Jewel Brown. She graduated from Bauxite High School in 1953. In the fall, she entered Henderson State University where she was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. On July 31, 1955, she married James Ross Mansfield and together they moved to Norfolk, Virginia. While he served in the Navy, Wanda worked as a secretary at the naval base. In 1958, they returned to Arkansas and she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA). Her teaching career began after graduation at 4th Street Jr. High in North Little Rock. In 1962, she was hired to teach English at Westside Jr. High School in Benton. She obtained her Masters of Science degree in 1971 from ASTC. In 1974, she transferred to Benton Sr. High School and worked as a counselor until her retirement in 1993. She and James loved to travel; together they visited over 22 countries and all but three states. She kept journals with pictures and notes of all of their travels. She was a Christian foremost, non-judgmental and loved her family and friends unconditionally. She was an avid reader and particularly loved the “classics” as well as poetry. She stressed to her children and grandchildren to love God, family and your country and “a good name is rather to be had than great riches.” Proverbs 22:1. She was a member of East Smith Street Church of Christ.

Preceding her in death were her parents and brother, James Dwight Brown.

She is survived her husband of 56 years, James Mansfield, son, Kevin Mansfield and wife, Loretta of Benton and their children, Clint and Clay McCool, daughter, Renee Parker Dickins and husband, Dr. John Dickins of Little Rock, grandchildren, Brooke Parker of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Creighton Parker of Little Rock. She is also survived by a brother, Gary A. Brown and wife, Theresa, sister in law, Michelle Brown all of Benton and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Kay and Mariana for their care of Wanda at her home, the staff of the Memory Unit at Foxridge at Chenal for their tender care and love and Saline Memorial Hospice staff in Bryant for their compassion and complete care during the final phase of her life.

Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home, honoring Wanda’s life, will be held on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton, Friday, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Bauxite Historical Association Museum, (BHAM) P.O. Box 245, Bauxite, Arkansas, 72011 or Mt. Olive Cemetery Association, 14141 Childress Road, Bauxite, Arkansas 72011, Alzheimer’s Association of Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 or your favorite charity.

On line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com