Wanda Louise (Richardson) Laird, age 89 of Metropolis, Illinois passed away in her home surrounded by family and friends on October 26, 2019 at 5:28 pm.

Wanda was born in Samoth, Illinois on November 4, 1929 the daughter of Lester and Ruby (Henderson) Richardson. She remained in the surrounding area throughout her childhood. In 1951, she married Charles W. "Charlie" Laird and soon moved to northern Illinois. There they raised three sons; Stanley, Robert, and Lester. Wanda drove a school bus in the Kankakee area for 22 years. She referred to her young passengers as her "kids". Her love of children and passion for music led her to teach an unknown number of young people to play the guitar and mandolin, leaving behind a legacy for many years to come.

Wanda also loved to fish, especially at Big Pine Lake in Minnesota. She could often be found playing ball with neighborhood friends. Most Sundays she could be found worshipping at Cherry Street Pentecostal Church.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Lester; 5 brothers; 3 sisters; and 2 grandchildren.

Wanda is survived by 2 sons, Stanley and his wife Janice of Ponchatoula, LA and Robert and his wife Jeri of Kankakee, IL; 5 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild; sister, Kathryn Bunch; brother, Billy Richardson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Cherry Street Pentecostal Church with Rev. Russell Gilbert and Rev. Charles Tate officiating. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery in Metropolis.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2019 from 11 am to 1 pm at Cherry Street Pentecostal Church.

Pallbearers will be David Bunch, Gerald Green, Andy Corzine, David Woodrum, Mike Laird, Allen Laird, Jake Laird, Bryan Laird

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com