October 23, 1945 ~ June 14, 2024 (age 78)
I Corinthians 15:54-57
But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will
have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death
is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is
your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God,
who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wanda Jean Griffin McDuff, 78, joined Jesus in Heaven on June 14, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. She was
born on October 23, 1945, to Herman Neal Griffin and Annie Maye (Shelton) Griffin in Fort Worth, Texas
and grew up with sisters Joyce and Sharon.
Growing up, Carter Park Baptist Church was a cornerstone for Wanda and her family. Her father was a
deacon, her mother taught Sunday School, and they spent quality time with their church family. Wanda
accepted Jesus as her Savior and was baptized when she was a young girl. She also developed lifelong
friendships with girls from her church who were very special to her.
Wanda was a tomboy as a kid. She loved to run, climb, and explore – even considerable distances from
her home – despite the rules. She was the leader of the pack, held her own with the mean boys, and
never minded getting dirty. As a teen, she grew into a beautiful young woman who attended Paschal
High School; however, she still held onto her strong will and independent spirit.
Wanda met Gary Clinton McDuff in a refrigerator box in the front yard when she was 14 years old and
later married him in 1962. They welcomed their first daughter, Kimberly Gaye, in 1963, and their second
daughter, Kristi Kaye, in 1965, who made the young McDuff family complete.
While the girls were little, Wanda worked at Stripling’s Department Store in Seminary South, and she
loved the fashion, fragrances, and cosmetics. She went to work dressed to the nines with perfect make-
up and a beehive to envy.
When Wanda was in her mid-20s, she and Gary moved to West Texas for his job, and they lived in
Lubbock and Midland and Lubbock again over the next 10 years. With every move, she made each
house a home for her family. They returned to the Metroplex and chose to live in Grand Prairie to be
closer to extended family. Wanda earned her GED two weeks before her older daughter graduated high
school. She was determined to graduate first, and she did! Afterwards, Kimberly and Kristi graduated
high school and left for college.
By this time, Wanda was making her way in the world as a single woman. She had drive, determination,
and spunk. She excelled as an Interior Designer for JCPenney, sharing her sense of style and eye for
decorating.
Kristi led the way blessing Wanda with two grandchildren, Scotty and Sammie, and Kimber followed later
with Josh and Luke. Wanda, now named Mimi, had the grandkids over for sleepovers, took them to fun
places, and was present for as many special occasions as possible. As they grew older, she played
games with the grandkids and did not conceal her competitive streak! She loves her grandchildren deeply, and they made her life all the better. Sammie topped off her blessings by adding great-
granddaughter, Paislee, to the family whom Mimi watched once a week when she was young. Paislee and Mimi will forever have a special bond.
With grandkids in their teens and twenties, Wanda’s cousin Juanita invited her to visit the Heritage of
Faith Christian Center in Crowley. She soon joined, because she not only cared about the people she
met there, she also developed a renewed and deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit who granted her
the gift of a prayer language. Her walk with God, her submission to Christ, and her knowledge of the
Bible rose to an entirely new level. Even after she stopped attending due to the distance from her home
and her aging van, she kept in touch with members and loved everyone still.
Throughout her life, Wanda was outgoing, very social, and had the gift of connecting people. When her
girls were growing up, she threw parties for the neighbors, played badminton in the street and ping pong
in the garage, watched thunderstorms near the open garage door, and told scary stories sitting on a
blanket on the grass with all the neighborhood kids.
Later, Wanda threw a Hawaiian-themed birthday party for her sister Joyce’s birthday and a Queen for a
Day party for her younger sister, Sharon, who was by her side through thick and thin. She helped plan
and host Cuz Weekends where a group of her cousins, who had all grown up together, convened a
couple of times a year to play some very competitive Hand & Foot all weekend. Wanda also hosted a
high tea for her friend’s birthday, and the list goes on… These are merely a few of the many events she
planned and hosted to bring people together. Wanda gets the credit for creating many happy memories
for her family and friends.
Wanda also loved her home and the holidays. All holidays! She loved decorating her house and front
porch for every season. She loved cooking, painting, and hiding Easter eggs (until her daughter reached
college and said she was too old). She loved hosting Thanksgiving and preparing the large dinner for
family. And at Christmas, she decorated four Christmas trees throughout her house – if only for her own
delight.
Wanda was not only there in good times. She also visited, called, texted, and sent cards to family
members and friends when they were ailing or struggling in some way to pray over them and encourage
them. God’s Word was always on her heart, and she eagerly shared it with others.
In addition, Wanda is truly a powerful Prayer Warrior. When she said she would pray for a person, she
usually did it on the spot, and she firmly avows where two or more are gathered in agreement, they can
ask anything of the Lord, and it will be done. She also did not hesitate to ask other people to pray
because she knows the power of prayer.
As we all know, Wanda has a big personality. She is larger than life in some ways, and her presence has
always been felt. You know when she is in the room, and we know, with certainty, that Heaven lit up
when she walked through the gate. She has made her presence known, and she is bringing together all
her loved ones who have been there waiting for her. Run, Gary, run!
For now, Wanda leaves her daughters, Kimber McDuff of Allen, Texas, and Kristi Brown of Fort Worth,
Texas; her four amazing grandchildren, Scott Lynn Brown, Samantha Brown, Joshua McGaha, and
Lucas McGaha as well as her precious great-granddaughter, Paislee Brown.
Wanda also leaves her sister and sidekick Sharon Hughes and her brother-in-law William Freddie
Hughes as well as deeply loved nieces: Pam McElrath, Robin Beger, Terri Scott, Traci Beeler, Shelley
Brazil, Sheila Weller, and Kristi Umber (honorary niece) along with their awesome children. And last, but certainly not least, her very special cousins, extended family (the McDuffs, the McGahas, and Gina Elliott), and close friends.
Wanda is preceded in Heaven by both of her parents, her sister Carolyn, her sister Joyce Martin and
brother-in-law Ned Martin, aunts, uncles, and wonderful cousins.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made through a contribution to CASA of Collin County.
You may make a gift online: https://bit.ly/3Vxjtd0.
Or mail a check to:
CASA of Collin County
101 East Davis Street
McKinney, TX 75069
Service Information
Visitation will be held from 1 until 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at the Stephenville Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. in the Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the East End Memorial Cemetery in Stephenville.
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