Wanda Mamie Tyus

Life Page - Wanda Mamie Tyus Wanda was born September 20, 1925, at Mercy Hospital in Denver, Colorado to Lee Wesley Row I and Mamie Andersen. Family lived on Elizabeth Street in East Denver. Her father was a vendor selling bakery goods out of his truck. He later became the head baker for Crown Bakery. Her mother was a homemaker. Wanda attended school in east Denver - Manual High School. She met a young grocery clerk, J. C. Tyus, at the roller rink on Broadway in Denver. They were married August 2, 1942 in Castle Rock Colorado. They lived above the GEM Market grocery store in a one bedroom apartment - began their family there. Their first home was at 28th and Race in Denver - raising a boy (J.C. Jr.) and 2 girls (Sherill and Connie). In 1950 the family bought their second home at 5355 Columbine Road, just outside north Denver city limits. The family grew with 2 more boys (Marvin and Rod) and a girl Deborah). In 1964 J.C. and Wanda purchased an unfinished home at 1807 Yarrow Street in Lakewood, Colorado. The family finished the home in 1965. Wanda lived here until 1993 when she bought a home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. 1971 J.C. and Wanda went into the grocery business - purchasing the GEM Market at 2958 Downing - changing the name to Mr. GEM Market. They owned the store until the untimely death of J.C. in 1981. Shortly after this Wanda was invited to join Daughters of the Nile. J.C. was a Mason and member of El Jebel Shrine. Since the fall of 1981 Daughters of the Nile El Jebel Temple #47 has been an important part of Wanda's life. She was active locally and nationally within the organization. She was installed Queen in 1991 and at the time of her passing was 2013 Supreme Temple appointee Escort to the American Flag. She was a member of the following organizations: Cameo - Jr. branch originally of Women's Club of Denver - President in years 1994 and 1999. PEO Chapter CP - an organization that promotes education and professional standards of young women - member since 1998 Caring Ladies - organization for widows of Shriners - member since 1981. Wanda was one of the 4 surviving members of the Harley Davidson Gravel Gremlin Motorcycle Club founded by previous members of the Colorado National Guard Motorcycle Battalion out of Fort Carson of which J.C. was in service. Sadly, on October 11th Wanda was rushed to Littleton Adventist Hospital where it was determined that she had an untreatable growth which took her life on October 30, 2013 at the age of 88. She was a housewife committed to raising a family. She left a tremendous legacy in 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Lee Row II.

Reception:
Abiding Hope Lutheran Church
6337 S. Robb Way
Littleton, CO
80127
Immediately following the Funeral Service in the Church Fellowship Hall