Rev. Wanda Lee Morris Midkiff Smith, 97, of Rutherford College, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at AMOREM surrounded by the love of her family.

Wanda was born September 20, 1929, in Nicholas County, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Robert and Eva Coleman Morris. Her father was a coal miner, and she grew up in a rural community in West Virginia.

Later, Wanda married her first husband, Rev. Richard Midkiff, and their family grew to include their children. She was a fantastic mother who always went above and beyond to make special memories with her children. She was especially fond of decorating and baking for the holidays, and everyone looked forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas in their household. The smell of applesauce cake, pumpkin pie, and yeast rolls covered in butter would have the entire family anticipating her feasts. Her favorite dessert was her fantastic peanut butter candy, a special Depression-era family recipe that is now continued by her daughter, Brenda.

When Richard felt the call to the ministry, Wanda stepped right up and became his perfect helpmeet in every sense of the word. Following his passing, she continued her ministry alongside her second husband, Rev. Joseph Smith. She even became ordained herself by the Church of God in Anderson, Indiana.

Throughout her ministry, Wanda was sought out by many for her wisdom. She was an excellent counselor and became certified as a grief counselor. She also served as a chaplain with her local hospital. Wanda was faithful and always willing to learn new things. She even learned to drive and received her first driver's license at the tender age of fifty-six!

Throughout her entire life, Wanda showed an immense dedication to people and to God. She was invaluable to both of her husbands in their ministries, all while building one of her own. She, along with her words of encouragement, will be missed by all those who knew her, but most especially by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in passing by her first husband, Rev. Richard Midkiff; her second husband, Rev. Joseph Smith; children, Richard A. Midkiff and Cheryl L. Miller; a great grandson, Trajan Alexander Sherrick; brothers, Wetzel Morris and Harold Morris (Mary); sisters, Faye Mattox (Herman) and Sandra Watson (Bing); brother-in-law, Ernie L. Marks; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Thelma Midkiff; and sisters-in-law, Eloise M. Reveal (Ivan) and Mary L. Jenkins (Paul).

Those left to cherish her memory include her sister, Linda L. Marks; children, Brenda L. Sherrick and Timothy D. Midkiff; grandchildren, Patricia A. Midkiff, Lisa Midkiff, Seth and Zachary Sherrick; and Derrick Midkiff (Ashley); greatgrandchildren, Alex, Blake, Elizabeth, and Ellinor; son-in-law, Brian S. Miller; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Matthew 25:21a “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AMOREM Hospice of Burke and Caldwell Counties at 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or a charity of your choice.

A Private Graveside Service will be held by the family at a later date.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the family.