Wanda Yon

Wanda Lucille (Thompson) Yon, 90, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2012 at Sayre Christian Village in Lexington, Kentucky. Wanda was born on December 4, 1921 in Indian Prairie Township, Illinois, the daughter of the late William Hobert Thompson and Berta Mae (Weems) Thompson, and the sister of the late Wildra Moore and Louis Thompson. She was married to the late Harry Italo Yon of Bramwell, West Virginia, for 61 years. Wanda was the devoted mother of three sons and their wives: Dr. Jerry Yon and Pamela Mathis Yon of Lexington, KY; Donald Ray Yon of Salem, Oregon; and Charles Edward Yon and Elizabeth Harvey Yon of Sherborn, MA. Wanda was the loving grandmother of eight: Michael Yon of Naples, FL; Daniel Yon of Boynton Beach, FL; Michael Yon-Stark and Ahna Yon-Stark of Portland, OR; Christina Yon, Elizabeth Yon, and Charlie Yon of Sherborn, MA and William Yon of Washington, D.C., and the great grand-mother of three: Phillip and Julia Yon of Naples, FL and Andre Yon of Portland, OR. Wanda was also the fond aunt of Greg Murphy, Steve Hill, Cristina Hill, Cheryl Moore, Lisa Moore, Kathy Thompson, Rick Thompson, and the late Steve Thompson, and their families. She is survived by her sisters-in-law Eva Hill and Alma Murphy of Bramwell WV, and Vese Thompson of Decatur IL. Wanda graduated from Johnsonville High School in Johnsonville, Illinois. During World War II she trained and served as a Pharmacist Mate in the U.S. Navy at Camp Lejeune, South Carolina In 1944 she met and married Harry Yon, who was also stationed at Camp Lejeune. After his discharge from the Navy Harry and Wanda moved to Illinois where Harry began his career as a pharmacist and store manager for Walgreens. The Yons lived in Decatur, Champaign, Mattoon, and Mt. Zion, Illinois. After her sons were grown Wanda worked for JC Penney as a sales associate. In 1985 the Yons retired to Winter Haven FL. In 2000 they moved to Lexington KY. Wanda and Harry lived at Mayfair Village for 12 years, and in 2010 Wanda moved to Sayre Christian Village. Wanda was an exceptional home-maker and a loving and caring wife and mother. Throughout her life she was a devout Christian and an active member of her church. Wanda was devoted to her extended family and her many friends. A prolific letter-writer, she never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. Wanda was a talented hand quilter and made beautiful quilts for her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She also enjoyed putting together her outfits, which were always fashionable and beautifully coordinated. Wanda was a life-long basketball fan and loved to attend University of Kentucky games. Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell with Rev. Steve Rector officiating. Entombment will follow with military honors being performed by the Mercer County Veterans Council. Friends may call from 12:00-1:00 on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home at 3431 Coal Heritage Road in Bluefield, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Wanda's memory to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20004 Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.