Lelia "L.V." Vernell Wade

Our Beloved Mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Lelia V. Wade departed this life to be with the Lord on the morning of Sunday, February 12, 2023.

Lelia was born to Maude Bankhead and Alonzo Bankhead on January 9, 1935, in Wyatt, Missouri. Affectionately known as L.V., she was the third of seven children.  Lelia spent her early life in Wyatt, surrounded by family and friends. Her dedication to her family began at a young age where she spent time honing her skills in the kitchen, helping care for her siblings, building her social circle, and most importantly beginning her walk with Christ at Rush Ridge Baptist Church. It was at this place that she found her calling as a Sunday school teacher. She completed her high school education at Lincoln High School and following her passion for teaching, she went on the receive her associate degree in Early Childhood Education. It was this path that led her to teach at the elementary level until relocating later in life.

It was also during these early years that Lelia met Charles A. Wade while growing up in Wyatt, MO and they began their life together. Married April 26, 1954, Lelia and Charles spent 63 years together in wedded bliss until his passing on March 7, 2017. Their union brought into this life six beautiful children. Her purpose to nurture her family continued with her journey into motherhood. Her devotion to her children was evident in her nurturing, guidance, support, and love shown from their childhood until her final moments. Family remained the center of Lelia’s life as her husband’s military duty brought her to Waco, Texas before settling in Norfolk, Virginia.

Lelia made her home in Virginia in June of 1966. Once arriving in Virginia, L.V. found a family of welcoming neighbors of Burton Station Road in Virginia Beach, VA. Never far from the Lord, Lelia became active and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Lambert’s Point of Norfolk, VA, Mrs. Wade dedicated her life to uplifting the spirit of others while showing the light of Christ’s love.  She was a member of the Pastor’s Aide, a missionary, a member of the Cathedral Choir, served as secretary for Area-Wide Missionary Council. Missionary Wade was also Chairperson of the Annual Senior’s Christmas Luncheon for several years, contributed to the Women’s Day Committee, and helped establish and oversaw the food pantry. Her mission work led her to spend many years visiting the sick and shut in. Her spirit of service continued as she was employed at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, VA as an outpatient registration receptionist for 45 years. Here her personality was on display as she left a lasting impression on patients, their loved ones, and the staff that worked alongside her.

Missionary Wade leaves behind a legacy of life and love. Her hobbies including cooking as she continued to make large Sunday meals in her golden age and eventually sharing her recipes with her beloved girls and grandchildren. L.V. will be remembered as sharing laughter and spending leisure time visiting socially with her closest friends from the community and church. Lelia took pride in the values she held as she poured them into her children and grandchildren at every opportunity. She gave the gift of her style, class, service, and love to all those she knew.

Lelia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Charles Aaron Wade, Sr, her siblings, Marion McCleary, Vonnie Rose Bankhead Isom, Shelley Douglas Bankhead, Laura Etta “Plukey” Byrd, Joe Nathan Bankhead, her daughter Charlotte Rose Wade “Tiny Rose” and son, Charles A. Wade, Jr. She leaves behind to honor her memory her brother, Hubert Douglas Bankhead (Tina LaGrand) of St. Louis; her children: Thomas G. Wade, Shandra D. Pope “Sputnik” (Victor), Kenneth D. Wade, and Brenda C. Ingram of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Her lineage continues with a loving niece, Vivian McCleary; nine grandchildren: Carlos A. Wade, Simirone J. Wade (Jennifer), Charles A. Wade III “Chuckie”, Keshanda V. Garland “Kesha”, Talya D. Hutton (Tommy), Breanna D. May “Breezy” (Aaron), Aaron D. Wade “AD” (Gabby), Mohogney T. Wade, and Tyesha R. Wade; G.G. to her sweet great-grandchildren: Ronald “Trey” Garland, Keshaun Garland, Mason May, Maxwell Wade, Holly Wade,  Mailani Wade, and Charlotte “Charlie” May. She also leaves behind a host of other relatives, friends, and church family.

Lelia cherished the words of Psalms 23 and forever leaves the scripture as comfort and peace to those who continue to celebrate her life and legacy.

Friends may call Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 12:00 noon until the funeral hour of 1:00 P.M. at Open Door Fellowship Ministry in Sikeston, Missouri with Pastor Michael K. Harris, Sr. officiating and Reverend Hubert Bankhead eulogizing.  Interment will immediately follow at 3:00 P.M. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Charleston, Missouri.