Wanda L. Schlafly

Wanda Lee Schlafly, age 97, of New Philadelphia went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.  Her husband of 62 years, Warren Schlafly, preceded her in death in 2008.  

Born in Lufkin, Texas on May 31, 1926, Wanda was the daughter of the late George Lee and Annie Christine (Corley) Jordan of Florien, LA, having one sister, Lavelle, married to Charles Barfield, of Little Rock, AR, who survives.  

Wanda graduated from high school in 1943, receiving her bachelor’s degree in 1946 from Northwestern University of LA.  She married Warren Schlafly on June 12, 1946, beginning her teaching career in September of that year.  

Mrs. Schlafly was a master teacher; teaching was her greatest joy!  She loved high school students, investing her life in equipping her kids with an excellent education.  She taught English, journalism, and public speaking for 32 years.  She did substitute teaching for another 22 years after retirement.  Four times students of Tuscarawas Valley High School voted her “Teacher of the Year.” 

Her travels with students and family took her to all 50 states and 57 foreign countries.  She planned student trips to Europe and chaperoned students as they became world travelers. 

A Covenant member of First Baptist Church of New Philadelphia, Mrs. Schlafly taught Sunday School and participated in the church’s Discipleship Ministry.  She sang in the church choir, and was a soloist on “Your Family Altar.”  She sang in a mixed quartet, a lady’s trio, and joined her own daughters who ministered with her on the radio and TV.   She sang at hundreds of weddings for her students and church friends.  She was an ardent soul winner and prayer warrior.  

Additionally, Wanda served alongside her husband in the Senior High Ministry of FBC for a number of years.  This couple represented the church on short mission trips to Zambia & Kenya; Wanda taught English one summer at a girl’s school in Zambia.

After retirement, the Schlafly’s wintered in Largo, FL for 22 years, faithfully serving the Lord in the New Testament Baptist Church there.  Wanda was activities chairman in the local community where they lived and led a morning exercise class each day.  She loved the water and was a member of Dover’s YMCA where “Miss Wanda” was a favorite with the lifeguards for over 40 yrs. 

In 2001, Mrs. Schlafly was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by Youth Int’l. at Boyce College in Louisville, KY for her lifetime dedication to her family, her church, and the students of Tuscarawas County.  

She is survived by a daughter, Gale Limbacher of Apple Valley, MN; grandson, Jason Limbacher; great-granddaughter, Teagan Limbacher; nieces and nephew, Beth (Richard) Lowe, William Todd (Jennifer) Brown, Angela (Ray) Brown and Pamela (Jim) Brown; great-nephews, Matthew (Madison) Lowe and Ben (McKenna) Lowe; and spiritual son, Dr. David (Becky) Adams of Linchburg, VA.  

She was preceded in death by her daughter and son-in-law, Gwyn and Tim Joy; and grandson, Lee Joy, all formerly of Westchester, Ohio; and son-in-law, Frank Limbacher.   

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia.  Dr. David Adams and Pastor Byron Stewart will co-officiate a celebration of Wanda’s life on Saturday at 10:30 am in the funeral home’s chapel with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.

Memorial contributions may be sent to The Warren and Wanda Schlafly Legacy Scholarship, c/o Liberty University, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA, 24515 or First Baptist Church, 878 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

A special “Thank You” to the staff of Park Village Southside for the wonderful, loving care provided to Wanda during her time there. 

One final thought: Wanda was faithful to the end of her life and will be fondly remembered as a virtuous woman…Proverbs 31.