Wanda Sue Taliaferro, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and sister passed away on April 29, 2026, at the age of 96 in Granbury. Sue was born on March 31, 1930, in Voca Texas, and was the middle daughter of Carl and Cora (Darley) Deans. She grew up in Voca and graduated from Melvin High School.
Mama Sue deeply loved the Lord and lived with unwavering love and devotion to her husband Billy Ray and daughters, Gayle Smith, Jana Harris, and Laurie Porter. She was the rock of the family and was Mama Sue to nieces and nephews along the way, keeping us all in line.
Mom and Dad were married on June 5, 1947, and were happily married 68 ½ years. Over the years they had an ongoing discussion as to their anniversary date being June 5th or 6th. When daddy passed mother said well, I guess Billy won as June 6th was the date on the headstone. The actual date was June 5th, 1947.
Sue began working outside the home in the early 1960s for Winston Barley Insurance and Taxes, which later became Barleys, and she was always at the front desk greeting all who came in. She worked full time there until the mid-1970s but continued to work during tax season there for several years. Mother thought the world of JD and Evelyn Barley as well as Donald and Sandra Barley. She was a longtime member of the Sunset Ridge Church of Christ.
Graveside services for Wanda Sue Taliaferro will be held at 10:00am, Monday, May 18, 2026, at Loveless Cemetery in Concho County. Friends may view and/or sign Sue’s online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com.
Sue is survived by her daughters Jana Harris and husband Nick and Laurie Porter and husband David; sister Marie Gourley; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Cora Deans, husband Billy Ray Taliaferro, sister Lillie Bell Dahlberg, and daughter Gayle Smith. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Billy Ray and Sue Taliaferro can be made to the Heart of Texas Bible Camp P.O. Box 830 Brady, Texas 76825. The family will be staying at the Heart of Texas Bible Camp for several days and welcome you to stop by to visit and share stories of our precious Mama Sue.