Wanda Ann Preece Charles, of Jeffersonville, Kentucky, passed peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, surrounded by her family. Wanda was born August 6, 1941, in Chattaroy, West Virginia, to the late Tom and Elsie Hubbard Preece. She grew up in Martin County, Kentucky, on Coldwater Creek, surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins. The oldest of five children, she helped her father build their family home. Wanda graduated from Inez High School at the age of 16. She was a good student who realized the importance of an education. While studying at Pikeville College, Wanda was hired to teach at Turkey Creek Grade School. She treasured her time teaching in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and loved seeing her students have success in life. Wanda was blessed with three children: Patricia Ann, Brian David, and Brady Lee. For many years, she raised them as a single mother, sacrificing and working hard to give them a happy childhood. They remember trips to Boonesborough Beach, going to the World's Fair in San Antonio, and Christmases spent at their grandparents' home in Eastern Kentucky. Wanda returned to college in the 1990's and earned a teaching degree from Western Kentucky University. She returned to the mountains to teach middle school students at Johnson County Middle School. Wanda loved teaching and often dressed in costumes to make learning come alive for her students. She was blessed with six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. If you spent a few minutes with her, you were going to hear about her grandchildren. Wanda loved going to their ballgames, track meets, and dance recitals. She enjoyed painting, writing poetry, and decorating her house. Wanda had a knack for creating beautiful spaces that looked magazine-worthy. She decorated her home for every holiday, especially Christmas. Wanda was a member of Stanton Assembly of God. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Mack Preece and Gary Preece; and one great-grandchild, Phoebe Phillips. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Rick) Creech; two sons, Brian (Andrea) Charles and Brady (Candice) Charles; two sisters, Glenna (Phil) Sammons and Betty (Ray) Biggerstaff; one sister-in-law, Barb Preece; six grandchildren: Chris Ray, Jennifer Phillips, Bradley Charles, Will Thomas Charles, Matthew (Brianna) Charles, and Alex Charles; five great-grandchildren: Johnica Ray, Olivia Howlett, Gracie Phillips, Joanna Phillips, and Mackenzi Hollon; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, Kentucky. Funeral services, officiated by Rev. Eddie Thomas, will be held at the funeral home at 2:00 P.M., immediately following visitation. Burial will be held at Stonegate Cemetery in Stanton, Kentucky, with Chris Ray, Jennifer Phillips, Bradley Charles, Will Thomas Charles, Matthew Charles, and Alex Charles serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Rev. Eddie and Linda Thomas, Margaret Walker, Derek Preece, Adam Preece, Shirley Estep, Joann Morris, Ray Biggerstaff, Phil Sammons, her church family, and the members of the Montgomery County Fire/EMS. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hearne Funeral Home of Stanton.