Wanda Naden Bledsoe, 96, went to be with the Lord on December 26, 2024, at Princeton Assisted Living in Johnson City, following a brief illness. Born in Fairview, VA, she was a trailblazer and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Wanda graduated from Fairview High School in 1942 and, at just 16 years old, earned her degree from Radford College with only $20 in her pocket. She later graduated from ETSU with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Mathematics. 

Wanda began her teaching career at the age of 17 at Keokee High School. She later taught at Clinchport and Rye Cove High Schools before joining the Kingsport City School System in 1961. There, she built a remarkable career, teaching at Ross N. Robinson Middle School and ultimately serving as Director of Finance and Attendance. Wanda retired after decades of service, leaving a legacy of mentorship, leadership, and dedication. She was admired for her strength, resilience, and determination, and she inspired countless students and colleagues alike. 

On June 6, 1949, Wanda married her beloved husband, George Bruce Bledsoe Jr., at First Baptist Church in Gate City, becoming the first couple to marry in the church. Together, they raised three children—identical twin daughters and one son—and built a life filled with love and faith. She was the proud grandmother of six grandsons, one granddaughter, and 17 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Wanda was deeply devoted to her family, never missing a graduation, ball game, baptism, or any other milestone. She was looking forward to attending the wedding of her great-granddaughter Madison Sanders to Cade Pollock on January 4, 2025. 

Wanda’s faith was central to her life, and she loved her church and its ministries. She spent decades serving in numerous groups, sharing her faith and generosity with everyone she met. Since moving to The Princeton in Johnson City, she enjoyed attending church with her grandson Chad and special granddaughter-in-law Debbie and was a member of Highland Church of Christ in Johnson City. 

Outside of her devotion to God and family, she had a vibrant spirit. She loved playing bridge and was an active member of several bridge clubs, enjoyed traveling, and was a talented artist and jewelry maker. 

Wanda is preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Bledsoe; her parents, Eugene and Gertrude Bledsoe; her daughter, Alicia Bledsoe Davis Deal; brothers, Wallace and Ledford Bledsoe; sisters, Flood Wells and Donna Salling; and nephew Steven Salling. 

She is survived by her daughter, Lucretia Sanders (Charles), whom she loved like a son; her son, Brent Bledsoe (Linda); her granddaughter, Aimee Light (Craig); her grandsons, Chad Sanders (Debbie), Jeremy Sanders, Matthew Bledsoe (Sarah), Seth Bledsoe (Amanda), Cory Bledsoe (Sarah), and Kevin Davis; her 17 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Billy Salling; nephews Barry Bledsoe, Rhett Wells and David Salling; and her special cousin, Melissa Gray. 

Receiving of friends will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Scott County Funeral Home, with a celebration of life service following at 1:00 PM with Pastor Byron Paddock officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Holston View Cemetery with Pastor Andy Barnes officiating. 

Pallbearers will be Chad Sanders, Jeremy Sanders, Matthew Bledsoe, Seth Bledsoe, Corey Bledsoe and Craig Light. 

Wanda was a force of nature—a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a devoted servant of God, and a cherished friend to many. Her legacy of faith, strength, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

To view the memorial video, please click here.

Psalms 116:15 

PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS. 

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.cartertrent.com. 

Carter-Trent/Scott County is serving the Bledsoe family.