Wanda Beach

Gaffney, SC - - Wanda Waldrop Beach, 85, of Gaffney, SC, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, May 18, 2026, after a courageous six-month and eight-day journey following a stroke in November, 2025.

Born in Bessemer, AL, Wanda was the beloved wife of the late William Roy Beach, with whom she shared 63 devoted years of marriage. She was the daughter of the late Woodrow Wilson Waldrop originally of Hueytown, AL, and the late Clara Bell Ammons Waldrop originally of West Blocton, AL.

Wanda attended Bessemer High School and later graduated from Tri-County Technical College. She retired from Computer Sciences Corporation in Moorestown, NJ, where she faithfully served as an Executive Assistant, proudly supporting multiple projects for the U.S. military throughout her distinguished career. She was admired and well-liked for her professionalism, dedication and servant’s heart, always willing to lend a helping hand. Her exceptional organizational skills and talent for creating advanced presentations made her a valued colleague, supporting program staff and leadership alike.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Wanda devoted her life to caring for her family and encouraging her children to pursue their dreams and interests. She never met a stranger and was known for her warmth, kindness and genuine concern for others. She enjoyed supporting local missions and community organizations, such as the Newcomers Club and found happiness in gardening, playing bridge and card games, preparing home-cooked meals, sewing, decorating, discussing politics and expressing her creativity through arts and crafts throughout her life. She also loved to travel when possible, having many adventures with husband Bill.

Following her retirement and move to Gaffney, SC in 2002, Wanda faithfully served several years as President of the Cherokee County Republican Women. She was a member of Corinth Baptist Church and active in the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by three of her children, Robert A. Beach (Diana) of Norfolk, VA, Deborah L. Beach of Gaffney, SC and James W. Beach (Michelle) of Frederick, MD; her sister-in-law, Georgie A. Waldrop of Helena, AL; and five cherished grandchildren, Christopher, David, Rebecca, Madison and Wesley Beach. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, William Mark Beach; her sister, Sherrill Waldrop Trammel and husband, Jack; and her brother, Woodrow Wilson Waldrop, Jr.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 PM in the chapel with Pastor Steven Owensby officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Corinth Baptist Church, 190 Corinth Road, Gaffney, SC 29340.

An online guest register is available through the Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, S