As your reading your morning paper and stumble upon this nontraditional obituary, there is probably someone in your life you need to be sending a "Thank You" card to. Wanda Laird would encourage you to reach for your favorite pen and probably some fun frilly paper and get that message out in the mail as soon as possible. She was a woman who lived a life full of love and gratitude, often sending beautiful handwritten "Thank You" cards and letters in response to "Thank You" cards and letters.

Our precious and often feisty Wanda Laird, 78 of Van Vleck, Texas went home to the Lord on January 18, 2016, after battling months of illness. During her lengthy hospital stay she still sent out handwritten "Thank You" cards to remind friends and family that she loved and appreciated them.

Wanda Nell Laird was born November 16, 1937 to Curtis and Emaline Reed of Van Vleck, Texas. As a child Wanda was encouraged to have a zest for reading and to always embrace her education. After graduating from Van Vleck High School she enrolled in Wharton County JR. College and pursued a degree in Special Education. During her journey she took a quick break from school to start a family with the love of her life, James (Jimmy) Laird. As soon as her boys were in nursery school Wanda began driving to the University of Houston every day until she received her Master's Degree in Special Education. She severed as Region III's Special Education Supervisor for over 20 years. Wanda devoted her life to bettering the lives of special needs children. She was a woman who encouraged people to use all the crayons in the box and to color outside of every line.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, James (Jimmy) Laird, son, Curtis Wayne Laird, parents, Curtis Reed and Emaline Reed and brother, Shelbert Reed.

Wanda is survived by, son, Clay Laird and wife Connie Laird of Pasadena, granddaughter, Madison Marie Laird of Dallas, step grandsons, Michael Tullius of Austin, Stanely Tullius of Austin and Jordan Tullius of Arlington and great grandson, Hudson Tullius of Arlington, as well as many cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas on Thursday January 21st at 10am to celebrate Wanda's life. Family and friends are encouraged to wear spring colors in honor of Wanda, who was often seen in some shade of pink.

Now, put your paper down or cell phone or iPad, whatever you may be reading this on and pick up a pen and write out a "Thank You" note to let someone know you appreciate them, Wanda would want you to.