Wanda Cecelia King

Wanda Cecelia King was born on March 21, 1971, in La Plata, Maryland, to Edna Johnson and the late Ralph Wayne Butler. Wanda was raised in Charles County, Maryland, where she grew up surrounded by family, love, and memories that would remain with her throughout her life.

On August 12, 2026, Wanda peacefully departed this life at the age of 55. She had celebrated her 55th birthday in March, marking another year of a life filled with love, laughter, family, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Wanda was a proud graduate of Henry E. Lackey High School, Class of 1989. She dedicated more than 20 years of her life to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Genesis Nursing Home. Her compassion for helping people eventually led her to transition into the role of Patient Service Coordinator, where she worked for the last five years at MedStar Cardiology Associates.

Wanda was truly one of a kind. She was known for her beautiful smile and that popping makeup! She loved to dance, sing, laugh, and enjoy life. Wanda knew how to have a good time and never needed much of a reason to celebrate. She loved going out and spending time with her “71 sisters” at the Tinderbox, enjoying her cigars, making memories, and being surrounded by people she loved.

Wanda was also the proud President of the S&M Legacy House, a role that reflected her leadership, loyalty, and the special bonds she shared with those she considered family.

But above everything else, Wanda was family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.

Wanda leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother, Edna Johnson; her siblings, William “Billy” Proctor Jr., Tina Proctor, and Julia “Boo” Smith (Thaxton); and her four beloved children, Ke’Onna Ashley Daye (Keshawn), Delontae Cole, Brian “BJ” Maddux (Alexus), and DeAndre King.

She leaves behind eight grandchildren who brought so much joy to her life: CJ Brooks, KaMaree’ Brooks, LaVae’ Brooks, Kr’Ystiann Brooks, Reign Brooks, Breydan Maddux, Ariah Maddux, and DeAndre King Jr.

Wanda also leaves behind her nieces, Julissa “Ju” Smith, whom she raised as her own daughter, Dominique Proctor, and Denisha Proctor, and her nephew, William Proctor. She will also be lovingly remembered by a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Among those who will feel her absence most deeply are her beloved best friends, Mary Lyles and Robert McGee, along with the many other friends who loved Wanda dearly and shared countless memories with her.

Those Who Preceded Her in Death

Wanda was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Wayne Butler; her grandparents, Earl Butler, Elise Butler, and Alice Wilson; her aunts, Audrey Cutchember, Louise Edelen, and Margret Butler; her uncles, Johnny Johnson, David Johnson, James Butler, and Harold Butler; and her cousin, Shaun Butler.

Her Legacy

Wanda's life was filled with people she loved and people who loved her in return. She had a personality that could never be duplicated and a smile that could light up a room. She was stylish, fun-loving, outspoken, loving, and full of life.

She had a way of making memories wherever she went. Whether she was dancing, singing, getting her makeup together, laughing with her friends, spending time with family, or simply being Wanda, she left an impression.

Her children will carry her love. Her grandchildren will carry her legacy. Her family will carry her stories. And her friends will carry the memories of all the good times, laughter, and moments they shared.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the 55 years we were blessed to have Wanda with us. We will miss her beautiful smile, her laughter, her style, her voice, her energy, and the unmistakable presence that made her Wanda.

Her earthly journey has come to an end, but the love she gave and the memories she created will live on through everyone she touched.

Rest peacefully, Wanda Cecelia King.

Your smile will never be forgotten. Your laughter will never be forgotten. Your love will never be forgotten.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Wanda.

Friends may visit with the family, Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 9:00 am until time of the Life Celebration, 11:00 am in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A. 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, Maryland 20640.

On Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 11:00 am please click the link below to view service online.

The streaming will begin after the viewing has ended and there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. The volume is located in the lower right corner of the viewing screen where it says "live". As the volume is increased, all the bars should be blue.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/livestream