Wanda Buda Obituary

Wanda Yvonne Huffine Buda

August 27, 1936 -

October 31, 2024

Wanda Yvonne Huffine Buda passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Abundant Christian Living Community. She had been in their care for a month.

Wanda was born in 1936 in Jonesborough, Tennessee, to loving parents Jim and Mildred Huffine. She was their only child. Her parents preceded her in death.

Wanda graduated from Jonesborough High School and continued her education earning an associate degree. She then began a career in dental hygiene before marrying George Douglas Buda Sr. and raising two sons, Doug and John. Wanda reentered the workforce at Celebrate! a division of East Tenn Rent Alls. She spent many years volunteering as a Tree Streets community advocate since the 1960's and to non-profit organizations. Her interests included arts & crafts, gardening and sitting on the porch sharing stories with friends. In 2013 George passed away and in 2018 she married Ignacio Orestes Salazar Batista whom she shared a happy and enjoyable life until her passing.

Wanda attended many churches of different denominations throughout her life including Methodist, Episcopal, and Baptist. She faithfully attended and served Thankful Baptist Church for the last 30 years. Throughout her life her faith and love of God never wavered as she lived a life in the example of Jesus Christ, her savior. She never met a stranger and opened her house and her heart to everyone.

She is survived by her husband Ignacio Orestes Salazar Batista and two sons: George Douglas Buda Jr and wife Virginia, of Johnson City and John Byron Buda and wife Laura Wenhui Li of La Crescenta, CA, and five grandchildren, Miles and London of Johnson City and James, Sophia and Claire of California. Wanda has a large extended family of friends and neighbors, too numerous to mention, that she cared about and loved very deeply.

In her final opportunity to give to others, Wanda donated her body for medical research to Restore Life USA, 423-631-0067, so that others will have the chance to live longer, healthier lives.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Thankful Baptist Church, 1501 E. Watauga Ave, Johnson City, Tenn, 37601, at 1 PM, Saturday, November 23, with Pastor Aaron T. Murphy officiating.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Good Samaritan Ministries, a local non-profit organization that helps feed and clothe the less fortunate in our community. Good Samaritan Ministries, P.O. Box 2441, Johnson City, Tenn 37605-2441.