Wanza Sheppard Soles, lovingly known as Wanza, passed away on September 19, 2026, in Dublin, Georgia, at the age of 96.

Born on July 15, 1930, in Dawsonville, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Wesley Herbert Sheppard Sr. and Avis Keen Sheppard. Wanza lived a long and meaningful life marked by faith, devotion to family, and quiet strength. She was a Christian woman whose life reflected the values she held dear, and she will be remembered as loving, faith-filled, and thoughtful by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Terry W. Soles, and her siblings: Anna Mae Mason and her husband Lamar, Esther Senn and her husband Dewey, Opal Slappey and her husband George, Nell Daniels and her husband Edwin, Mary Underwood and her husband Edward, Martha Brantley and her husband Jimmy, Wesley Herbert Sheppard Jr. and his wife Anne, Patsy Tenhoor, and Johnnie Faye Graham and her husband Cecil. Though she experienced many losses throughout her life, she remained steadfast in her faith and continued to be a source of comfort and encouragement to those around her.

She is survived by her children, Dana Kinzler and her husband Dick of Dublin, Georgia, Ron Soles and his wife Karen of Clermont, Georgia, and Marsha Fountain and her husband Chuck of Alexandria, Louisiana. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Stan Kinzler, Jon Kinzler, Dylan Soles and his wife Shandi, Brannon Soles and his wife Sam, Chip Fountain and his wife Amy, and Heather Moore and her husband Gareth. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Raina Danielson and her husband John, Melissa Kinzler, Macie Soles, Holden Soles, Avery Fountain, Casey Fountain, Kiya Soles, Tayton Soles, Liam Moore and Heaven Griffin, Callum Moore, and Evangeline Moore, as well as her great-great-grandchildren, Charlotte Danielson and Mateo Griffin; and brother-in-law, Fred Tenhoor. She is also survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish her memory.

Wanza was a devoted member of Dublin First Church of the Nazarene and served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher both at church and in senior living homes. She was an avid student of the Bible and served as a Georgia District Missionary Secretary, demonstrating her deep commitment to ministry and service. Her life of Christian witness touched many hearts, and her steady presence was a blessing to her church family and community.

In her professional life, Wanza served with diligence and integrity as a retired Fiscal Officer with Hall County, Georgia. She also worked as Manager of the J.C. Penney Catalog Department, where her strong work ethic and dependable nature were evident. Beyond her career, she was known as an avid Bingo player and a remarkable bookkeeper extraordinaire, gifts that reflected both her enjoyment of life and her careful, capable mind.

Wanza's life was a beautiful example of devotion, grace, and perseverance. She will be remembered for her warm spirit, her unwavering faith, and the love she shared so generously with her family and friends. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at First Church of the Nazarene. A Memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM, at Dublin First Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Don Hicks officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Terry Soles Sunday school class.

Mrs. Soles will be laid to rest in Mount Olive Church of the Nazarene Cemetery at 2:30 PM on Wednesday.

Townsend Brothers Funeral Home in Dublin, GA, is in charge of arrangements.