Wanda Saunders Downey, born Wanda Lee Saunders Commodore, entered this world on December 20, 1948, in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, the beloved daughter of Geneva DeLores Saunders and William “Billy” Commodore.  On Friday, April 17, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky, God called her home to eternal rest.

Wanda was a woman of strength, spirit, and unstoppable determination – a true go-getter who never waited for life to happen. She loved to write in her spare time and had plenty of writings, we even found a contract for Universal and Warner Brothers that she never signed. She moved with purpose, lived with fire, and loved with a force that shaped everyone around her. She was the kind of woman whose presence shifted a room, whose voice carried wisdom, and whose heart held space for many.

She is preceded in death by her father, mother, her sister Dorothea Young, and her husband Jesse Downey. Wanda leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, resilience, and family. She raised three children, Shonna Saunders (Gregory) Horton, Garry (Crystal) Saunders, and Mondre (Susan) Saunders with a strength that came from deep within. They grew up, side-by-side with cousins, Thomas Baker, Damon Baker, and Walter “Wally” Jackson III, who were more like brothers than nephews. And right in the middle of all those boys stood Shonna, “the lone wolf”, the one who somehow managed to get away with everything, and everybody knew it. That was the beauty of Wanda’s family; blended, bonded, loud, loving, and built on connection. She was surrounded by her grandchildren, Isis Horton, LeAra Horton, Lathan Saunders, Adriannah Saunders, Jazmine Saunders, Garry Saunders Jr., Eve Rivera, Ameya Saunders, Arthur Jesse Saunders, Eurich Downey, and T.J. Downey. And a host of great-grandchildren. They were all the joy of her heart.

She is also survived by her brother, Allen Jones, numerous cousins that were like sisters and brothers, numerous stepchildren and all the loved ones who were connected to her not by blood, but by the love she freely gave. Wanda lived a life that touched many. Through every move, every challenge, and every season where survival was the only option, she instilled in her children the grit to stand tall and the faith to keep going. Even when life got heavy, her spirit pushed them forward. Her lessons still speak. Her love still guides. Her strength still lives in every one of them. Though she has gone home to be with the Lord and reunited with loved ones who went before her, her presence remains in our memories, in our laughter, in our resilience, and in the spirit, she planted in all of us.

Well done, Momma. Now get your rest in God’s eternal peace.

The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2025, at New Creation Praise and Worship Center with Rev. Randy Taylor and Rev. Morgan Gilkey officiating.

Wanda will be laid to rest in Gilead Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Garry Saunders Jr., Jordan Beiland, Kaleb Beiland, Isaiah Hamm, Nicholas Johnson, Lathan Saunders. Honorary pallbearers include Shandre Seals, Justin Brown, D.J. Holman, Tony Campbell, Dorian Pierce, Cliff Patterson, Tyrone Frye, and Elgin Downey.

Visitation will be 11 a.m., until the hour of service at 1 p.m., Saturday, at the church located at 1431 Helena Road, outside Flemingsburg, Kentucky 41041.

Boone-Nickell Funeral Home will be caring for Wanda and her family.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com