Wanda Weems Balke

Wanda Faye Weems Balke, 92, of Friendswood, Texas, passed away on July 3, 2024. She was born on May 29, 1932, in Van Hill, Tennessee, to parents Lacy and Ina Weems.

Wanda graduated from Rogersville High School in 1950. She then pursued studies in Education at Lee College and the University of Houston, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. For over 30 years, Wanda dedicated herself to teaching English, Spanish, and Journalism.

In 1950, Wanda met the love of her life, Billy Lewis Balke, a student at Johnson Bible College. They married on October 5, 1950, in Rogersville, Tennessee, and they lovingly raised six children. They were together for 46 years.

Wanda was known for her creativity and numerous talents. She enjoyed reading, cooking, and crafting. She also loved gardening and was especially fond of her roses. She had a flair for writing and penned several fiction short stories. Additionally, she enjoyed painting, decorating her home, and researching genealogy. But her greatest love was the family she created. She was the loving bond that held everyone together for holidays, Sunday dinners, special events, and family tragedies. Wanda led with strength and wit.

Wanda is survived by her children Janet Bales and husband Barry, Scott Balke and wife Kathy, Casey Balke and wife Kim, Lisa Balke, and Jennifer Hanson and husband Mark; grandchildren Christina, Becky, Ben, Chase, Chris, Cannon, Cash, April, Caitlin, Austin, Brandon, Avery, and Chance; and great-grandchildren Anya, Oliver, Penelope, Weston, Campbell, Bristol, Cayden, Dallee, Kylie, James, Luke, and Caleb.

Wanda is also survived by her sister  and best friend Sheila Weems Johnston and husband Tom. The sisters spent a lifetime telling stories, loving, laughing, and confiding.

She is preceded in death by her parents Lacy and Ina Weems, her brother Charles Weems, her son Jerry Balke, her grandson Darryl Balke, her daughter-in-law Susan Balke, her brother-in-law Freeman Johnston and his infant son.

The family will honor Wanda with a celebration of life at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024, in the Broome Funeral Home Chapel, 513 E. Main Street, Rogersville. Randy Overdorf of the First Christian Church of Rogersville will officiate the occasion. Internment will follow at Hawkins County Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be made to www.broomefuneralhome.com

The staff of Broome Funeral Home is honored to serve the Balke family.

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