Edith "Wanda" Burkhalter

edith burkhalter

January 7, 1951 ~ September 28, 2024

Born in: Asheville, North Carolina
Resided in: Asheville, North Carolina

Edith “Wanda” Burkhalter, of Asheville, NC suddenly passed away on September 28, 2024 of a heart attack following the devastation of Hurricane Helene as she was trying to reach family members in the one of the storm’s hard-hit area of Swannanoa, NC.

Born on January 7, 1951, Wanda was a cherished individual known for her kind, loving, and caring personality. She lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service towards others. Her loss is completely unexpected, and her family is profoundly saddened. She was 73 years old.

Wanda met the love of her life and beloved husband, Wayne S. Burkhalter, of 51 years. Wanda was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, love and support for her family and community. She was a devout member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC. She was also actively involved in and she cherished everyone in her women’s group, Titus II. To her, they were her sisters.

Anyone who knows Wanda, knows that her family meant everything to her. She loved hosting family gatherings and you can feel and taste the love in every dish she prepared especially during birthdays and holidays. Her grandkids were her world and did a lot of the things she loved with them like cooking, baking, crafting and gardening. She also loved fishing, and she spent a lot of summers with her brother, Sandy, and his family fishing at the lake.

Wanda appreciated history and art. Her favorite was spending time at Biltmore Estate, visiting Biltmore House and their extensive gardens. Her aunt Edna was the housekeeper at Biltmore House in 1950’s, and Wanda fondly reminisced running around the kitchen hallway when she was a little girl. Wanda made it a yearly tradition to bring all her grandkids to visit Biltmore every Christmas – a tradition the family hopes to keep in her honor. She also treasured her pets – especially her dogs Rinny and Finley, and her
cat, Itty Bitty.

Wanda is survived by her children, Travis Burkhalter and Kevin Burkhalter; seven grandkids, Anna,Laura, Nathan, Mylia, Cooper, Parker, and Zoey; daughter-in-law, Jessa; her brother and sister-in-law, Sandy and Alice Sales; sister Johnnie Oakes; cousin Margaret “Peggy” Hayes; as well as several loving nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends whose lives were greatly enriched by Wanda’s presence. Her departure leaves an unfillable void in their lives, yet they find comfort in the memories and everlasting
love they shared.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Burkhalter; her parents, John and Mildred Sales; and her middle son, Jason Burkhalter.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00am at Trinity Presbyterian Church located on 17 Shawnee Trail, Asheville, NC 28805. Wanda’s final resting place will be with her husband, Wayne, at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain at a future date.

Wanda’s departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply in her wide-network of community. She was such a light in this sometimes dark world and she will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time.

Groce Funeral Home’s Patton Avenue team is assisting the family.

Services

Celebration of Life: October 26, 2024 11:00 am

Trinity Presbyterian Church
17 Shawnee Trail
Asheville, NC 28805


View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Photo Gallery

Guestbook

  1. Wanda blessed everyone she came in contact with. Her incredible sweet spirit touched so many lives. I remember sweet cute voice and how she spoke to me as if I was the most important person to her. I’m so grateful to have had her in my life.

  2. Wanda was one of the kindest people I have ever met. I worked with her many years ago. So sorry to hear of the loss. My prayers are with her family.

  3. Travis,

    Your mother sounded like she was a wonderful woman. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your entire family as you navigate through this difficult time.

  4. Kevin,I always enjoyed conversations with your Mother. Very knowledgeable about so many things. I especially loved learning about plants in the green house. She had a wonderful , vibrant personality. You are in my prayers.

  5. Wanda was such loving and kind servant to the Lord. She was always the first to step up to lead and help! We will miss her sweet smile and her love for her family and her Lord!

  6. I always enjoyed running into Wanda at the grocery store and at the Garden center I always referred to her and Wanda Clarke as the two Wandas😊. I am in shock that she is gone. Condolences to the family❤️


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide