Wanda Jean Drew passed away peacefully in her home in Early on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at the age of 61.

Wanda is proceeded in death by her parents Robert Calvin Miller and Nola Jean Miller of Brownwood; along with her father-in-law Bill Drew of Early.

Wanda was employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (formally known as the Texas Youth Commission) for almost 26 years. She loved working with the youth at TJJD and over the course of her time she was instrumental in changing the lives of many of the young people who came to the Agency. Not only did she have a profound effect on the lives of the youth but as a Juvenile Correctional Officer Supervisor she also had a profound effect on the lives of the staff that she worked with. She truly had a deep affection for the youth and her staff. Wanda volunteered to take on the responsibility of being the President of the Employee Appreciate Committee to ensure TJJD Employees were recognized and awarded for all of their hard work. Even though she did not care to be publicly recognized for her efforts, she was recognized multiple times for all her accomplishments which included being selected by peers and her supervisors as the Employee of the Year and several other awards on numerous occasions.

Wanda is survived by her loving husband David Drew of 30 years; mother-in-law Linda Drew of Early Texas; brother Jimmy Miller of Brownwood Texas; son Kerry Drew and wife Crystal Drew of Gustine Texas; son Billy Shy Drew of Early Texas; son Tim Upshaw and wife Shawnna Upshaw of Midland Texas; grandchildren Taylor and Talon Drew and Kordale and Trenton Upshaw.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday September 6, 2017 from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 2 pm at the Heartland Funeral Home in Early.

Condolences, memories and tributes can be offered to the family online at heartlandfuneralhome.net