Wanda Hope Nappier

Wanda Hope Nappier, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2017 at approximately 1:15 p.m. She is survived by three daughters: Antoinette Bradford, Vickie Simpher, Kathy Nappier and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Benjamin and Myrtle Bell; her aunt Gladys Keiser and her sister Juanita Helmich.

Wanda donated her body to Washington University’s medical school in St. Louis. She requested that no funeral or memorial services be held.

Wanda was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 25, 1922. Beloved by her parents, Wanda was raised in the age of early aviation. She and her family knew and worked with aviation legends, including Charles Lindbergh. As a young woman, Wanda was a professional tap dancer who performed in Vaudeville.

When her father retired from aviation, the family moved to St. Clair. Wanda married and made her home in St. Clair, moving to Sullivan later in life. She was very active for many years in the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, Post 347 in St. Clair.

Wanda may have eventually left Vaudeville, but Vaudeville never left her. She was known for her quick wit and talent for dancing even into her 90’s. During the Ms. Missouri Nursing Home Pageant in 2011, she was crowned Regional Division 2nd Runner Up after wowing the crowd with her song-and-dance performance of Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Family, however, was her greatest passion. She adored visits with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. And no one knew how to celebrate the holidays like Wanda, especially Christmas and Halloween. Her cheer, wit and devotion to family will always live in the hearts of her loved ones.

The family asks that those who wish to honor Wanda’s memory please donate to the Dementia Society of America or the Alzheimer’s Association.