Wanda Lee McKinstry

Wanda Lee McKinstry, age 84, of Pinckneyville, Ill., passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 11:00 p.m. at her home in Pinckneyville. She was the daughter of Lucian and Lillian (Gass) Pyatt, born March 11, 1929 near Pyatt's Wye south of Pinckneyville, Ill. Wanda married George Edgar McKinstry on July 30, 1955 at Galum Presbyterian Church. They shared 55 years together.

Wanda attended Baird Grade School on Pyatt's Blacktop through fourth grade. After that, her family lived in St. Louis during the week so that her sister could attend Gallaudet School for the Deaf. During this time, Wanda and her brother, Roger, attended school in St. Louis and briefly were enrolled in an "open air" school. Her family returned to their home in rural Pinckneyville every weekend to spend time with her father. Wanda graduated from Roosevelt High School in south St. Louis in January of 1947. She immediately enrolled in SIU Normal in Carbondale now SIU Carbondale. While attending SIU Normal she lived in Anthony Hall and waited tables in the cafeteria. Wanda graduated from SIU in May of 1951 with a Bachelor's degree in English Education and a minor in History.

Wanda worked at the garment factory in Pinckneyville for a few years. Then she worked as a bookkeeper at the Pinckneyville Hospital. After that she was employed at the Perry County Courthouse for several years. When Wanda was employed at the Perry County Jail, she was said to be the best secretary that Sheriff Templeton ever had. Wanda stayed home with her two young children for approximately five years before returning to work at the hospital. In 1969, Wanda quit working at the hospital and took classes at SIU Carbondale to become qualified to teach elementary school. Wanda was a dedicated teacher who taught second grade at Pinckneyville Grade School from 1970 until 1979, when she retired due to illness. Wanda was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and with determination endured the illness for 42 years, never losing faith in God's healing power.

In 1995 Wanda and a group of women from several local churches started swimming at Lake Sallateeska north of Pinckneyville. This group known as "The Swim Team" also enjoyed taking excursions to dine out and celebrate birthdays. In 2008, Wanda no longer could participate in the group due to declining health.

Wanda was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church, Pinckneyville, Ill. She had previously been a member of Galum Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon and was the Chairman of the Nominating Committee for the Galum Presbyterian Cemetery Association for several years. She was a member of the Perry County Retired Teachers Association and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Wanda enjoyed swimming, reading, traveling, home improvement with her husband, and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her daughter- Alice Kay McKinstry Davis (husband Dennis) of Orlando, Fla., her son- Glenn Allen McKinstry of Pinckneyville, Ill. and her brother- Roger Allen (Lucille) Pyatt of Cumming, Ga. Ten nieces and nephews also survive Wanda. She was preceded in death by her husband- George Edgar McKinstry, her sister- Kathryn Jane Pyatt and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Pinckneyville, Ill. on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Charles Walden officiating. Interment will be in Galum Presbyterian Cemetery, Pinckneyville, Ill.

Visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, Ill. on Friday, March 14, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friends and family may also call on Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, Pinckneyville, Ill. from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church, Pinckneyville, Ill. or Galum Cemetery Association Pinckneyville, Ill.

For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.