Wanda Louise Slaton

On February 15, 2025, Wanda Louise Slaton, lovingly known as Nana by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully at the age of 90. She was surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home. Much like she cared for her mother in her later years, she was well taken care of by her daughters and Brandy, whom she lovingly claimed as her adopted granddaughter. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to AlevCare Hospice Care Team for their love, support, and compassionate care in her final days.

Wanda was born on March 23, 1934, in Shiro, Texas, in Grimes County, to Hattie Wilma Henderson and Lawrance Newton Keisler. She graduated from Navasota High School on May 23, 1952, and pursued a degree in Elementary Education at Sam Houston State Teachers College. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, she began her teaching career in Vidor, Texas, where she shaped the lives of young students. Wanda continued teaching until 1974, when she retired to focus on raising her family and caring for her beloved mother, Wilma. 

In 1955, Wanda began dating Ted Juan Slaton, her “Sweetie Pie”, and they married on August 4, 1956. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family. They started their journey in Beaumont, Texas, later settling in Fort Worth, where they happily raised their two daughters, Linda Darlene Slaton and Terrie Lynn Slaton. 

Wanda cherished her childhood memories, especially those spent with her beloved grandparents, Mammie and Hoppy. She often shared stories of adventure and laughter, including the unforgettable day when she and Mammie discovered Hoppy’s hidden moonshine still—Mammie destroyed it on the spot, and Wanda said, “that was the first time I saw a grown man cry.” That moment, along with many others, became a treasured part of her family’s history. 

A true lover of all things country and western, Wanda enjoyed horseback riding and barrel racing in her younger years. Even after marrying Ted, the two spent many evenings square dancing, sharing a love and rhythm that lasted a lifetime. 

In her later years, Rosco, Brandy’s dog, became her beloved companion. Though Brandy may have had rules for him, Nana (in true fashion) had her own way of doing things. She spent her days loving on him, sneaking him people food against Brandy’s advisement, and constantly letting him in and out the back door—a job she took quite seriously. 

Wanda’s warmth, humor, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved her, and though her presence leaves a void, we are comforted by the knowledge that she is now reunited with Ted, the love of her life. 

She is survived by her daughters, Darlene Harris and Terrie Hall; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Harris-Juardo and husband Samuel Juardo (children Ethan, Rhyder, and LyndleJo), Nicole Hall (daughter Zayley Teller), Eric Harris and wife Halie Harris (children Easton, Betty Mae, and Avery), and Steven Hall. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mattie “Mammie” Colbern Henderson and Hop “Hoppy” Henderson; her mother, Hattie Wilma Henderson; her father, Lawrance Newton Keisler; and her devoted husband, Ted Juan Slaton. 

A celebration of Nana’s life will be held at Shiro Presbyterian Church, entrusted to Nobles Funeral Home in Navasota, Texas, on February 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Old Oakland Cemetery, with a reception at Shiro Presbyterian Church. 

"Life is the flower for which love is the honey." – Victor Hugo