of Little Rock, AR
September 6, 1944 - April 8, 2023
Wanda L. Bixler, 78, of Little Rock, Arkansas went to be with the Lord, April 8, 2023. She was born September 6, 1944 in Turrell, Arkansas to Oliver Cecil and Pearl Ellis Hooker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Martha Jean Hooker and Mary Feathers, four brothers, Don Hooker, Charles Lewis ''Ludy'' Hooker, Tommy Hooker, and Russell Hooker. Wanda is survived by her daughter, Crystal Williamson (Michael), two grandchildren, Riley Williamson and Delaney Williamson, one sister Doris Sue Pitts (Wayne d.) and one brother, Richard Hooker (Tami), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Wanda became a licensed practical nurse in 1969, going on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Arkansas in 1974. It was during her time at UCA that she met her lifelong friend, Sandra Payne Kahler. Wanda had many titles in her time as a Registered Nurse at Baptist Health Medical Center - Little Rock, including Psychiatric Staff Nurse, Clinical Coordinator, Unit Supervisor (7B), Department Director for Psychiatric Nursing, and Instructor in Human Resource Development. She left Baptist to pursue her passion for counseling, consulting, and training, founding Bixler Communications in 1981. She returned to Baptist several years later and authored the new employee orientation training curriculum known as Traditions. Wanda would begin class by asking everyone in the room to go around and introduce themselves. She would repeat each person's name back to them at the end of the day, to the amazement of many. Her infectious smile and upbeat attitude were the introduction every new employee at Baptist received, as she taught people ''to be nice to each other.'' After her time teaching Traditions, Wanda took on a role in which she advised and coached supervisors in their duties. Wanda retired from full-time work in 2013, but continued as adjunct faculty at the Baptist Health College of Nursing until 2020. In December 1977, Wanda realized her dream of a lifetime by adopting a baby girl. She was an amazing mother to Crystal, and raised her to be the kind of daughter any mother would be proud of.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in Wanda's name to Baptist Health Foundation, Baptist Health College, Little Rock General Scholarship Fund, 9601 Baptist Health Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Visitation will be 11:00 A.M., Monday, April 17, 2023 with a Celebration of a Life Well Lived beginning at 12:00 P.M., both at Immanuel Baptist Church Chapel. A reception will follow the service.
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25 Condolence(s)
Betsy King Cobb
Friday, April 21, 2023
Wanda was my neighbor. She was such an amazing lady. I remember as a young nurse being in one of her orientation classes. She would have everyone in the room say their name and hours later she would go around the room and repeat our names. And this was not a small group of people Her memory was extraordinary.
Glenda Royal
Monday, April 17, 2023
There are no words to describe how wonderful she was. My heart is full of so many precious memories and yet heartbroken.
But this one thing I know—she is full of joy at being home with her Lord who she knew well. Oh, how we are going to miss her!
Charlotte Murry Sieler
Sunday, April 16, 2023
I knew Wanda and worked with her for many years at BH. She was kind, honest, and genuine. She was caring and I loved her.
Doris Pitts
Saturday, April 15, 2023
My beautiful sister my heart is broken.I missed you before you were even gone.You were working on my patience’s and I was working on you to let things go.We never finished. I just can’t believe you are gone . I’m still waiting on your five o’clock phone calls every day.I have so many sweet memories that I will cherish from now on.Let God see that beautiful smile and let him know you were loved by many.
Judith Wehde
Friday, April 14, 2023
Wanda was a bright spot during my years at Baptist Health. She helped me better understand my working relationships and the various personalities we had in our section.
She was cheerful, insightful, and very caring. Her home-going for her is glorious but a very great loss to those of us left behind. Rest with the angels, Dear Lady!
Carolyn Barnett
Friday, April 14, 2023
Wanda was one of best friends and I will always love her. In heaven she will one of the best angels
Paula Bumpass
Friday, April 14, 2023
Wanda was my very precious friend and neighbor, I already miss her so much.
Her big smile, her infectious laugh, a hug and listing intently to a concern, excitement or sharing the events of life were always a special time together. I will treasure these memories.
Sending my love, thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
russell Harrington
Friday, April 14, 2023
What a great lady-one of my all time favorites. She was a committed and valuable part of Baptist Health always willing to accept the challenges of new and various roles to benefit patients and employees. I, like hundreds of others will miss her.
Carol Walker
Friday, April 14, 2023
Words can't express how much Wanda was loved. She always cared about other people. After my recent surgery, she would call every week and say "how can I help." A few years ago we drove by a dog that had been hit by a car and Wanda said turn around, I've got to help this dog. She jumped out of my car to rescue him. That is who she was. I was never with her that she didn't talk about how much she loved her family and friends. Wanda gave us so much. She will be forever loved.
Susan Maddox
Friday, April 14, 2023
One of my clearest memories of Wanda is the party Sandra Kahler held at her house to welcome Baby Crystal into the "family". The adoption had finally gone through and Wanda was the happiest woman on earth. For the rest of her life she celebrated her motherhood and grandmotherhood.
Timothy Hibbs
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Sincere condolences
Judy Redditt
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Wanda was a neighbor, friend, and person who offered medical advice when needed. Your passing reminds me of what we hold in our hearts in our last moments with anyone, and to value and cherish each person. May God wrap you in love.
Margie Jordan
Thursday, April 13, 2023
I was blessed to be a part of her family. She had the kindest heart and beautiful smile that will stay with me forever. Praying for strength for all her family and friends.
Judy Allen
Thursday, April 13, 2023
My condolences to the family of Wanda, she was a kind and loving person. Her bond with her sister , Doris was so prevalent in her life. She will be missed greatly. I’m glad I had the pleasure to know her. May she rest in peace in her heavenly home. God bless Doris and all her family. My prayers will be with you during this trying time. Much love to you all.
Alice Row Comer
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
My sincere condolences to you Crystal. I had the pleasure of working with Wanda for about 8 years. She truly had a good heart and displayed it with everyone she met. She will be greatly missed. With love, Alice.
Vicki Minor Hill
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
My heart breaks for the loss of this beautiful soul. She was such an inspiration to our family and always available for advise and help. We will miss her, but happy she is at peace. Love and prayers to all who loved her.
Charles Hooker
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
I loved her very much. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
Sallie Graves
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
My sincere condolences for your Mother’s passing. She was a kind and wonderful person that I had the good fortune to know at our Tuesday meetings. A beautiful lady!
Mary Grace Smith
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
I am sorry I have just gotten to know Wanda the past few years but we have fun memories. Her smile would lighten anywhere she was. She was so proud of you Crystal and I felt like I knew Riley and Delaney by the love spoken when she talked about them. May God give you peace and comfort.
Louise Monday
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Wanda held a special place in my heart as not only a co-worker but friend. When I met Crystal it did not amaze me that she was raised by a loving caring and intelligent Mother as Crystal is special too. All my love and condolences to Wanda’s family.
Donna Dail
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Although I only knew Wanda in a professional capacity as her Realtor, she was definitely on "My Favorite People" list. A lovely and loving woman whose light cannot be extinguished by death. I will never forget the warmth of her smile and hope she knew how special she was to everyone who knew her. She has left a treasured legacy in her daughter and grandchildren who are blessed to have known her.
Rest in peace, Wanda.
Martha king
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
My love to you and your family Crystal. Wanda was a beautiful person inside & out. Precious to so many. I’m so blessed to have been her friend. I cherish the times we all shared with her. May GOD’s Grace carry you! ðŸ™â¤ï¸
James F. Marsh
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Wanda was a class act. She carried herself with poise and grace, displaying her smile and care. Wanda demonstrated a genuine concern for her fellow employees at Baptist Health. Her outward appearance reflected her inner beauty. Rest in Peace.
Arleta Power
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
From the first time I met Wanda, her smile, her acceptance, her work ethic, and
loyalty to the Baptist never wavered. I knew she was genuine and dedicated to Baptist. She represented the system as a whole and made all those who attended her classes feel energized and ready to put into practice what they learned in her classes.Wanda was a beautiful woman inside and out. I thank God for her life and the privilege of having known her. Rest in Peace Wanda.
Phillip Hooker
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Sending prayers with love