Wanda Mae (Perry) Whitehead

After 93 years of spirited life, Wanda Mae Whitehead (Perry) passed on October 15, 2025 surrounded by family in her birthplace, Princeton, Indiana.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Wanda was an energetic spirit who devoted herself fervently to her children, family, work, church, and community all the days of her life. Born in Princeton Indiana to William and Fern Perry, Wanda enjoyed an idyllic childhood alongside her brother, Paul, playing tennis and helping at her family’s grocery store, which was located on Spruce Street.  She was an active student at Princeton High School, and played in the marching band.

After high school she enrolled in the Methodist School of Nursing in Indianapolis. It was then that she met her lifelong love, Don Whitehead. They married among family and friends in 1953 and together they built their life in Princeton where Don owned and operated the Standard filling station and Wanda practiced nursing at Gibson General Hospital. They had two children, Steven and Mayla, and became active members of their community through First Baptist Church, Tri Kappa, as well as being active in local county government.

Wanda’s life was characterized by her seemingly endless energy. She enjoyed a bustling schedule, family gatherings, thriving social life, and was deeply committed to her nursing work, later acting as Head of Nursing at Forrest Del nursing home. Even upon retirement she became a passionate gardener and she and Don spent endless summer days at their property on Kentucky Lake. She was an incredibly active grandparent, always eager to spend hours of play on she and Don’s expansive property, host annual New Years Eve parties for the grandkids, and was on the sidelines of every game and school activity. Even in the evenings when one might slow down, Wanda could always be found deep in a book, or working on a crossword puzzle (two things which her family is certain contributed to her incredibly sharp mind until the very end of her life).

Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, as well as her husband of 63 years, Don.

She is survived by her brother Paul (Sharon), son Steven (Cindy) and daughter Mayla (late, Bob), her grandchildren Sara Donovan, Andrea Whitehead (Chris), Jared Whitehead (Ashley), Casey Stevens (Brian), and Beau Hobson (Rachel), and great-grandchildren Joshua, Perry, Olivia, Austin, and Kenna. Her family is grateful to have been blessed with so many years with their beloved matriarch, and wish their GG a much-deserved restful hereafter.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with Pastor Jim Saunders officiating.  Visitation will be from 4 until 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 800 W. Faith Blvd., Princeton, IN. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared online at ColvinFuneralHome.com.  The Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve Wanda's family.

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