Wanda Meier

Wanda Lea Meier, 61, was welcomed into the arms of her Heavenly Father on October 9, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on November 30, 1963, in Bellville, Texas, to Aurel "Buster" and Carolyn Bruening. Wanda was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby, where she began a lifelong journey of faith. Growing up in Shelby, she learned the values of family, hard work, and serving others, principles that guided her life.

Wanda attended school in Bellville and later studied Early Childhood Development at Southwest Texas State University, earning her teaching degree from Prairie View A&M University. She began her teaching career in Burton, where she touched countless young lives. Wanda had a deep passion for elementary education and dedicated over three decades to shaping young minds. She taught 1st grade for 14 years and Pre-K for 16 years, always bringing patience, creativity, and a loving heart into her classroom. Her students weren't just pupils; they were part of her mission to nurture, guide, and help children grow in both knowledge and kindness.

Wanda's life centered on her faith, her family, and her community. A devoted Christian, she lived out her faith by loving and serving those around her. At St. Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby, she taught Sunday School, played in the church volleyball league, and helped create cherished memories, weekends filled with games, homemade ice cream, and hamburgers on the grill.

In 1988, Wanda married Keith Meier at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Brenham, and together they raised two children, Megan and Mitchell, instilling in them a deep love for the Lord and a strong commitment to church and family life. Wanda became a dedicated part of the St. Paul's community, faithfully serving through Vacation Bible School, Women's Bible Study, and the funeral lunch team. She was always ready to lend a hand, whether it was teaching Sunday School, organizing meals, or helping with church events.

Later, Wanda and Keith became active parishioners of Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church of Berlin. There, Wanda continued her ministry by joining Women's Bible Study, the Evening Ladies' Group, baking desserts for funerals, and regularly preparing and serving lunch after Wednesday Lenten services.

Even while staying active in her new church home, Wanda remained a vital part of the Shelby community. She helped her mother at the Shelby Store and was a familiar face behind the counter for Thirsty Thursday. She supported the Lioness Club chicken spaghetti fundraiser, sold raffle tickets for the Shelby Volunteer Fire Department, and baked desserts for church and other community events.

Wanda enjoyed attending livestock shows and remained a faithful fan at the Washington County Fair, even after her children had graduated. She also enjoyed volunteering in Country Creations at the Washington County Fair. Wanda stayed involved in the Burton community even after retiring; she loved supporting Burton High School's football and volleyball teams. She joined a retired teacher's organization, Gamma Omega, to stay involved and in touch with many of her former co-teachers.

Wanda is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Keith Meier; her children and their spouses, Megan and Thomas Kozel of College Station, and Mitchell and Katelyn Meier of Fort Worth; and her beloved grandson, Mason Meier. She is also survived by her mother, Carolyn Bruening; her sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Elbert Brune; and numerous extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Aurel "Buster" Bruening; her brother, Roger Bruening; and her grandparents.

To celebrate Wanda's life and legacy, a visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, October 16, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby (6814 Skull Creek Rd, Fayetteville, TX), with a reception to follow.

In honor of Wanda's vibrant spirit, the family requests that attendees wear purple or floral- a celebration of her life, her joy, and her journey home to Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wanda Meier Scholarship Endowment, supporting Burton High School students pursuing a career in teaching, just as Wanda did with love and passion.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel located at 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, Texas. To post a tribute to family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com