Wanda Oliver Elkins

wanda elkins

Wanda Elkins, faithful servant of Christ, went home to our Lord May 23, 2025 at her home in Asheville.

Born in Eastern TN in 1945, she was the daughter of the late James and Rosa Lee Oliver. Wanda was also preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Oliver and Bobby Oliver.

Wanda retired from the City of Asheville Motor Fleet Division after 34 years of service. She loved spending time with family and traveling with them. Wanda was a member of Grace Baptist Church for nearly 50 years. Cancer took her from us much too soon.

Wanda is survived by a loving husband of 61 years, Joe; a daughter, Jolene (John); a son, Scott (Jennifer); five grandchildren, Cherie Grindstaff (Chuck), Crystal Hooper (Nicholas), Ian Elkins, Rosalee Elkins, and Adalai Elkins; six great-grandchildren, Jasmine Larey (Trevor), Calvin, Jordan, Alise, Aidan, and Anthony; a sister, Brenda Payne (Ray); two sisters-in-law, Peggy Oliver and Connie Oliver; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. Burial will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Grace Baptist Church, 718 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.

Services

Visitation: May 30, 2025 1:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Funeral Service: May 30, 2025 2:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Burial: May 30, 2025 3:00 pm

Green Hills Cemetery
25 New Leicester Hwy.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-9831

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Wanda Oliver Elkins 's name.

St. Jude Children's Hospital

www.stjude.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. So sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

  2. So sorry for your loss. I pray for peace and love for your family during this time of grief.

  3. She had the sweetest spirit. Everything about her was a sweet testimony in love, patience and kindness. I am so sorry for your loss and praying with you as you maneuver this season.

  4. I will always remember Wanda as the sweetest and most Godly woman. She was my Sunday School teacher while I was in youth group at Grace Baptist Church. Now, she is resting in the arms of Jesus.

  5. I am so sorry to hear about Wanda. She was a wonderful person, so sweet and caring! She will be missed. I will keep all the family in prayer. 🙏

  6. When I think of my friend Wanda Elkins, first thing that comes to mind is her smile. It never left her face when I encountered her around the City Hall in Asheville, NC. She and her sweet husband Joe were known by everyone in the building and were always held in high regard. Everyone loved those two. Especially me. Looking at the video here of her family and many travels, I am pleased to see that she and Joe were able to see the world. They were so devoted to one another and their children as well as they talked about them often. I was able to meet Joleen once or twice. She excelled in everything she overtook. I will miss my friend, Wanda as I know everyone whose life she touched will also miss her. I pray God will bless Joe and their family as they go through their pain and sorrow and give them the strength to carry on without their precious one.

  7. So many sweet memories of my sweet sister-in-law. always wanting to do for others, all the sweet memories we made in Dollywood and sweet memories when the kids were little at Christmas time. Hugs and prayers for comfort for all the family during this difficult time.

  8. My deepest condolences to the family and I had the greatest pleasure of knowing her through the fleet management team dinners. Those are fond fond memories.

  9. The sweetest person ever. I met Mrs.Elkins at the Islander which her and Mr. Elkins loved to visit. She loves her family as they do her. My heart goes out to all the family. Love and prayers to all.


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