Wanda Marie Corey McAllister, 77, of Mt. Union, died on Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City. She was born on Good Friday, April 19, 1946 in Mt. Pleasant to Delbert Lewis and Irene V. Hoakison Corey. On January 4, 1969, during a -9 degree snowstorm, she married Kenneth L. McAllister at the Mt. Union United Methodist Church.
She was a 1964 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and in 1968 earned her teacher’s certificate from University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. She taught one year in Bloomington, Minnesota and two years at Harlan Elementary in Mt. Pleasant before leaving teaching to become a homemaker and farm wife. Mrs. McAllister was a member of the Mt. Union United Methodist Church; United Methodist Women; taught Sunday School for many years; served as Sunday School superintendent; and helped organize Vacation Bible School. She was an amazing prayer warrior. Wanda was a TTT member; 4-H leader and served on the extension council and as fair superintendent for fifteen years. She volunteered with MOPS, especially the food pantry; was a leader in obtaining a grant for All Hands Day Care; and was a recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Award. Wanda was an avid reader; enjoyed writing; and her favorite thing was playing games at family gatherings. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and children.
She is survived by her husband; daughter Michelle (Shawn) Pezley of Cedar Falls; sons Mike (Teri) McAllister of Pleasant Hill and Matt (Donna) of Bourbonnais, Illinois; four grandchildren, Megan and John Pezley, and Cooper and Zoey McAllister; one brother Wendell (Vicki) Corey of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews. Her parents preceded her in death.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Canaan Community Church (formerly United Methodist Church) in Mt. Union with Rev. Jim Shrimplin officiating. Burial will follow at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union. Visitation will begin at noon on Friday, February 16, at Elliott Chapel, New London, with the family greeting friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. A memorial has been established for her church. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.