Obituary: Wanda “Idell” Wilbanks
Wanda “Idell” Wilbanks, a loving and beautiful mother and grandmama, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of February 15, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Her life was a testament to faith, love, service and devotion.
Born on August 19, 1944 to Esta Capshaw and Marion Frank Russell, Idell was the baby of eight children. She grew up surrounded by a large close-knit family, spending her childhood with cousins she loved like brothers and sisters. Many happy days were spent in the woods playing and enjoying life while staying just out of reach of the house so they didn’t have to do chores.
In November 1962, she married her daughters father, Millard Lee Whatley. She later remarried in February 1990, Roger Wilbanks, enjoying the years they were married with his children and grandchildren.
Idell began her career as a waitress in 1968, working for her brother at Russell’s Cafe in Middleton, TN. Though the work could be demanding, she loved being a waitress and building lasting friendships for nearly 60 years. Even after Russell’s Cafe closed, she continued working at various cafe’s in town. Some of her best years were spent working at Southwind with her friend who became more like a sister.
Taking care of others came natural to Idell. When her mothers health declined, she devoted years to caring for her mother, stepfather and mentally challenged sister. Compassion and selflessness defined her life.
In her younger adult years, she enjoyed square dancing, social gatherings, shopping with her daughters and most of all, family time. She often said,” it did not matter when you gathered, only that you made time to gather”. Months in advance she was planning meals to make sure everyone had some of their favorites. She rarely asked for help, always afraid someone would be inconvenienced, never wanting anyone to be put out of their way.
One of her favorite sayings was “Give people their flowers while they are living” and she lived by those words. Often expressing her love, offering compliments and making sure people knew how much they meant to her. On occasion, she would catch you by surprise speaking her mind but never meaning any harm.
Idell was a devoted Christian who wanted everyone she knew to know the Lord, be saved, attend Church and stay involved in their faith. She loved reading and studying her Bible, teaching Sunday School and quoting scripture. She attended New Bethel Baptist Church her entire life and was never afraid to show her love for the Lord through her actions and words. She would gladly talk to anyone about the Bible and her faith.
Idell never met a stranger and could carry on a conversation with anyone, usually discovering a shared connection or family tie before parting ways. She spent the majority of her life on “Russell Hill”, the place she loved, called home and where she took her last breath.
After retirement, Idell embraced life to the fullest, keeping the roads hot with “the girls” a special group of women she considered more family than friends. Together they enjoyed lunches, shopping, visiting with others and countless laughs. These friendships made her retirement and final days some of the best times of her life.
Idell leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, hard work, determination and kindness that will live on in all who knew her.
Her hard working hands were put to rest, our loss was heavens gain. Although we loved her, God had his arms around her and with tears in our eyes, we couldn’t make her stay. She will forever be missed and always in our hearts.
Treasured Daughters: Lorri Barkley husband William of Pocahontas, TN, Lisa Pearson husband Ricky of Selmer, TN.
Her Cherished Grandchildren: Bobby Barkley wife Brooke of Hickory Valley, TN, Lindsey Sowell of Medina, TN, Natalie Lax husband Ryan, Trae Smalley wife Allison of Murfreesboro, TN, Drew Pearson & Lilly of Selmer, TN.
Adored Great Grans: Callie Beth King, Chance Barkley, Marlee Sowell, Addy Porterfield, Blakely Sowell, Eli Porterfield, Briar Barkley, Case Barkley, Cannon Barkley, Casen Pearson, Emmersyn Smalley and Leeland Smalley.
And a host of special nieces and nephews, who she treated like her children.
Preceded in Death: Father, Marion Frank Russell, Mother, Esta Rogers, Stepfather, Tom Rogers.
Seven Siblings: Maxine Webb, Buck Russell, Velda Sparks, Bill Russell, Nadine Sparks, Hurshell “Bubby” Russell and Yevonne Russell.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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