Tributes

It is with great sadness, yet a joyful noise, that we announce the passing from this world of Wanda Jean Huerta. Wanda left this earth at 12:25 PM on Monday, February 10th, surrounded by her children, siblings, spouse, and friends in her home following a courageous fight with cancer. Wanda, a prominent example of God’s love and mercy here on earth, was not only a mother, sister, wife, grandmother, and daughter, she was also a redeemed follower of Christ. Of all things she leaves behind in her legacy, she insisted that her unshakable faith be what she is remembered by the most. A testament to her giving, obliging, and sometimes fiery nature, during the last two years, Wanda spent much of her time undergoing treatment, only to mentor and support other cancer fighters. She advocated for her fellow warriors loudly and with severe reproach in favor of her “Golden Girls” at Alabama Cancer Care, sharing the gospel with all who would listen. Wanda also retired from Oxford Elementary School where her presence is still felt today. Staff and faculty during her 20+ years of selfless service at OES proudly proclaim that she was indeed a vital part of the OES community, lifting spirits, going the extra mile, and proudly displaying the hallmark of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, an altruistic servitude accompanied by love. Wanda, in her physical death, is survived by 10 grandchildren, Niko, Ismael, Alexus, Elana, Julisa, Braydon, Marisol, Colton, Arianna, and Ireland. She also leaves behind her husband, Pedro Huerta, two biological children, Michael Arnold and Melissa Olvera, and two children by marriage, Jackie Arnold and Ismael Olvera. Although only birthing two children, she was also a mother to Natalie Wilson by choice, not obligation, another testament to her amazing capacity for love. Lastly, Wanda is also survived by her brothers Darrell Arnold (Reda Arnold, Montana Arnold, Lindsey Arnold) and Phillip Arnold, Jr (Phillip Gregory Arnold), her sister Dana Sutton (Jeff Sutton, Rachel Grace Reid), and her mother Rosalie Arnold. She is preceded in death by her father, Phillip Arnold, Sr and niece Charity Hope Sutton. In closing, we know that Wanda would want to thank the amazing staff at Alabama Cancer Care. For two years, they’ve become an adored part of her family. She often shared stories with her children of the amazing culture and love that’s exhibited there each and each every day. Outside of her family, Wanda’s biggest passion was Oxford Elementary School. Prior to her diagnosis, after retiring, she planned to return to her school and volunteer her free time. Wanda lived her life with a fire and strength that many of us only hope for. She was a hard worker, a fair judge, idealistic, and yet supernaturally soft and warm to those she loved. She will dearly be missed here, but she surely is not missing us, instead residing in Glory. As she stated so many time, “oh what a day that’ll be.”

Tributes

Mrs. Wanda Arnold Huerta

July 29, 1960 - February 10, 2025