Wanda Carter

Phelps

Wanda Helen Carter Phelps, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on 11/13/2026 after living with dementia for several years. Her love, kindness, and the memories she created will live on through the many lives she touched.

Born October 16, 1945, in Blount County, Tennessee, Wanda graduated from Friendsville High School in 1962. She and her husband, Thomas (Tom) Phelps, shared 58 wonderful years of marriage, building a life together across several states before retiring in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Together, they had two daughters, Vanessa and Kaye. Wanda's love for family extended beyond biological ties. She was also a devoted stepmother to Vickie and Robert, whom she welcomed into her family and loved as her own.

Wanda had an entrepreneurial spirit and a heart for serving others. She established several successful businesses throughout her life, including the first Fort Mill/Tega Cay United States Contract Post Office. She also served as a church secretary, volunteered as a hospital “Pink Lady,” and gave her time to local food banks. An incredible seamstress, she especially enjoyed making costumes for her granddaughter's dance recitals.

Wanda and Tom shared a love of travel and adventure, exploring destinations throughout the United States and many countries around the world. They also enjoyed hiking and discovering waterfalls throughout the Appalachian Mountains. Whether traveling or spending time with family, Wanda found joy in making memories with those she loved.

To her grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Mamaw,” but that name reached far beyond her own family. Wanda had a special gift for making children feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. Many children throughout her life were lucky enough to call her Mamaw, too.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Tom; her brother, Ralph (Elenora); her daughters, Vanessa (Glenn) and Kaye (Tim); her grandchildren, Alex (Delaney), Kaylee (Will), and Caroline (Will); and her great-grandchildren, Carter and Carsyn. She is also survived by her grandson Andy, and her step-daughter, Vicki (David) who gave her three more grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her step-son, Robert, and her grandson, Thomas.

Wanda's greatest legacy is the family she loved, the friendships she built, and the countless children who knew her as Mamaw. Her life was filled with love, adventure, generosity, and service, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, 11/17/2026 from 4-6pm with services at 6PM at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Services will be held at McCammon-Ammons-Click in Maryville, Tennessee, with burial to follow at Cloyd's Creek Cemetery in Greenback, Tennessee returning to the place where her story began.