Wanda Kellar Sivells Braden was born in Cross Plains, Texas on October 3, 1925, the daughter of Loren Graves Kellar and Harvey Preston Kellar. Service will be held in Mead Chapel of Lake Forest Village at 10:00 a.m. on Friday September 26, 2014, followed by a graveside service at 3:30 at Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood, Texas.
Mrs. Braden has a master degree from Texas Woman's University. She was instrumental in getting the library started at Wharton County Jr. College and became the Head Librarian. She was employed there for thirty-one years. While there she married Charles Graves Sivells Jr. and they were both very active in the Wharton First Baptist Church. Upon retirement they moved to Denton, TX. They were among the first residents at Lake Forest Village. Wanda's mother, Loren Kellar moved in across the hall and Wanda took care of her for several years.
After Graves Sivells passed away, Wanda met Bill Braden. They fell in love and were married for ten years. Wanda said she has many happy memories of their travels and just being together.
Wanda has been active on several committees while residing at Lake Forest Village. She also helped get the Memorial Garden organized and started. She was very proud of the Memorial Garden.
Wanda was an avid researcher of genealogy. She researched the Sivells and Kellar language back to the American Revolution. She was a member of the Benjamin Lyon chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and James Rogers chapter of the Colonial Dames of the XVII Century.
Wanda loved reading and traveling and sharing her experiences with her family and friends.
The message consistent throughout Lake Forest Village is that Wanda was a giving person; she didn't care about your background, religion or views-she still shared a friendship with you. She gave and didn't expect in return. She loved her husbands, her children, her relatives and friends. Also, many residents there have highlighted her keen sense of organization.
Mrs. Braden was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey Preston Kellar and Loren Kellar; two husbands, Grave Sivells Jr. and Bill Braden.
Mrs. Braden is survived by her daughter Patricia White and her son Michael Sivells; step daughter Lavon Gaunt and step son Larry Braden. Mrs. Braden is also survived by three grandchildren: Michael White, Star LaNett White, Thomas White and five great-grandchildren: Cassie White, Shelby White, Victoria White, Thomas White, Evan White, including one nephew Howard Sivells, two nieces, Doris Dickinson and Alice Harris.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lake Forest Village or Southmont Baptist Church.
We will miss her.