Wanda Avila & Fernando Avila

Wanda Avila passed away peacefully on January 13, 2023.  Wanda was born on September 1, 1938 in Coalgate, Oklahoma to Robert (Jack) Clarence and Christine Velma (Williams) Walkup.  She is survived by her brother Foye Walkup, sister Susie Walkup-Herman, sons Phil (Terry) and Jeff (Terri) Taylor, grandchildren Janelle, Jacob, Bailee and Bree Lynn Taylor, Braycen (Anu) Lorenzo, and great grandchildren Rylee, Rayah, Haven and Harlee Lorenzo and Silas Jackson.  Wanda is preceded in death by her husband Fernando Avila, and oldest son Greg Taylor.  

Wanda lived most of her life in Southern California where she raised her family and worked as an executive secretary for the Orange Unified School District, where she met her husband Fernando.  Wanda was known for her sweet smile, graceful disposition and beautiful soul.  She was a devoted wife, mother and big sister who lived her deep Christian faith.  She cared deeply for her family and friends, always willing to share her time or resources to lend a helping hand.  She was an incredible cook and seamstress, making home cooked meals every day and altering shirts and pants to fit her growing boys.  She loved traditional gospel hymns, Merle Haggard and Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino, to name a few. 

 

Fernando Avila passed away on March 26, 2020.  He was a man that loved the LORD. He was born to Jose L.  Avila and Maria L. Avila on May 10th 1952 in El Paso Texas. He had five siblings Jose, Lilia, Enrique, Irma, and Guillermo.  He is survived by his youngest sister Irma. At a young age he and his family moved to California. Fernando did well academically and graduated from Santa Ana High school in 1971. Fernando worked in the church in many positions including Royal Rangers, Sound System, and in the church grounds. There was much love for his nephews and nieces, Irma, Joe, Deanna, and Ishmael. 

Fernando loved to read and enjoyed doing things with his family. He especially loved his wife Wanda in so many ways. He would make weird sounds and do odd things just to make us laugh. He did not like strife so he would go out of his way to be a peacemaker. Fernando was so much to each of us in his own way. 

When he would call to check on us he would always share beautiful things about Wanda and their everyday life. He would encourage us to always seek the LORD for guidance, always reminding us to read GODS word. Fernando’s love for us was always there just as our love for him will remain till we see each other again one day Face to Face. 

You will always be in our hearts.