Wanda Ward Westbrook Matthews

Wanda Ward Westbrook Matthews, age 72, of Gulfport passed away peacefully and loved at her home on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

She was born on November 13, 1950, in Pensacola, FL to Mr. Henry Asa Ward and Mrs. Ruby Hale Ward. Wanda earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from The University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Education from William Carey University. She was an elementary school teacher, owner of Unicare Home Health, owner of Uni-Med Private Duty Nursing. Wanda spent 12 years as professional support in home health and served on the MS State Home Health Association as Vice-President. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren grow and thrive, spending time with her friends, attending her women’s Bible study, and enjoying all the coast had to offer with her love, Arthur.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Anne Palmer Matthews; and brother, Kem Ward.

Survivors include her loving husband, Dr, Arthur Morris Matthews, Jr.; children, Cynthia Alisha Plummer (Joey), Julius Dudley Westbrook (Alicia), Priscilla Ashley Torres, Claire Matthews Papizan (Chris), and Arthur Matthews III (Casey); grandchildren, Olivia Plummer, Bash Plummer, Mae Westbrook, Anna Kate Torres, Jackson Papizan, Palmer Papizan, West Matthews, and Davis Matthews; and her beloved Corgi, Queen Bee.

The family would like to thank the countless friends who lifted Wanda up in prayer during her life, Cheri Heflin, Lynn Burwell, Becky Sprinkell, the staff of Your Choice Senior Care, and the staff of Gentiva Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Trinity Methodist Church, 5007 Lawson Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507, where friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Matthews family.