Wanda Louise (Gantt) Short was born on October 03, 1928 in Madison, Illinois. She went to her heavenly home on March 04, 2026 at Crystal Coast Hospice House Newport, NC. She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 68 years, David E. Short. She is the daughter of the late Myra B. (Potter) and Henry Clinton Gantt.  Also two sisters and four brothers preceded her in death.

Wanda's faith and knowledge of the bible were strong and extensive. She passed this love of the Lord on to future generations through teaching Sunday School, singing in the church choir, and serving as several church officer positions over the years.  Her being a founding member of Brookwood Baptist Church as well as Cape Carteret Baptist Church also showed her Christian example.

Besides church choir, her love of music was freely given by an innate gift of playing the piano by ear and providing accompaniment whenever needed. Her beautiful alto voice was often blended with David's tenor voice as a duet. In fact, their chosen ministry was calling over 500+ church members annually to sing happy birthday on their special day.

Her working career spanned almost 40 years. She started as a part-time waitress at a soda shop luncheonette in her teens. Her secretarial career began in Texas to a chaplain where they would discuss/compare inquisitively her Pentecostal/Baptist beliefs to his Catholic theology. Learning was profound on both sides. These same skills were transferred to the Civilian Personnel Office at Camp Lejeune, N.C. with whom she would have a long history. A promotion took her from the main gate personnel office to Bldg #1 as secretary to two Generals in the span of three years. Another promotion returned her to the main gate as a supervisor, from which she retired in 1984.

Survivors include one son David (Katherine) R. Short of Swansboro, and one daughter Robin (Ray) McClendon of the home; Grandson Drew (Kate) Short of Beaufort; Granddaughter Margaret (Chris) Wiesemann of Durham; Grandson Marcus (Natalia) Campbell of Austin, Texas; Grandson Michael (fiancée Jennifer Cook) Campbell of Chapel Hill; Great grandchildren Noble and Darby of Beaufort; Liam of Durham; Lillian and Koen of Austin, Texas and her sister Charlotte McKinney of Illinois.

The family would like to thank all the staff in the ER department and the 3rd floor of Carteret Health Care of Morehead City as well as the staff of Crystal Coast Hospice House, Newport for their compassionate and excellent care of our precious Mother. Additionally, we thank our church family and friends for the powerful prayers, support, and love sent our way.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 10, from 6:00- 8:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home in Swansboro. Funeral will be at Cape Carteret Baptist Church, Wednesday, March 11 at 2:00 PM with internment afterward at Seaside Memorial Park, Hammock Beach Road, Swansboro.

While flowers are welcome, please consider a memorial contribution to the Children's Playground at Cape Carteret Baptist Church, 101 Anita Forte Dr, Cape Carteret, NC 28584 or Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 28570.