Wanda Jean Frost

Wanda Jean Frost was born on Wednesday, July 9, 1947, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Mr. Al Frost, Sr. and Mrs. Lovanna Webb Frost. Wanda was baptized as an infant at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church. The Frost family first moved from Waco, Texas to Sioux Falls at the urging of her maternal aunt, Eula Mae Strayhorn. About four years later, Eula Mae relocated to Minneapolis and encouraged the family to follow her again for better opportunities. This was in 1951 and the family first resided on the Northside, eventually settling on the Southside, where Wanda spent her formative years. She attended Bancroft Elementary, Bryant Junior High and graduated from Minneapolis Central High School. Lovanna purchased a duplex in 1970 returning to the Northside, where Wanda and Marquitta (Marissa was born in 1977) lived on the upper floor. Wanda’s professional career began as a secretary (as the role was then titled) after taking coursework at the Minneapolis School of Business. She was a secretary for Honeywell Inc., Control Data Corporation and Munsingwear Corporation. She was known for her attention to detail, typing speed (well over 100 words per minute), and other core office skills. Wanda possessed a God given creative talent that shaped many of her quiet, peaceful moments. She was an exceptional seamstress, knitter, and sketch artist. She sewed clothing for her daughters, and herself. She was often complimented and her girls were too, on their garments. Wanda even designed a handful of garments. She’d sketch them on a pad, use newspaper to create the outline, and lay and pin the newspaper onto the fabric. The outcome would be a custom designed outfit for which she received accolades. Many in the neighborhood sought her out to sew and/or alter garments. She spent countless hours at her Singer sewing machine, doing what she loved to. She taught both her girls about the basics of sewing, selecting patterns, different fabric types and what seasons they were made for, and were to be worn. Her artistic gifts extended to sketching--she could capture a person’s face in minutes with striking realism. Knitting (also add crocheting to the list) includes a cherished winter scarf she made for her first granddaughter, Nia, then her second granddaughter Vanessa kept warm in it. The scarf was then passed down to her great-granddaughters, Aniyah and Kennedy. It is now wrapped and stored in a keepsake box. Some of the fondest memories for the girls included trips to Amluxen Fabric Store on Nicollet Mall to browse patterns and fabric, where Wanda was known by every lady behind the counter. The same was said about J.C. Penney and Dayton’s fabric departments. Donaldson’s didn’t make the list. Wanda instilled in her girls the importance of reading and doing it well and not letting people take advantage and walk all over you, find your voice. Overall, be a productive human being. One of Nia’s special memories as a very little girl was the corn fritters her Nana made for her, always topped with butter and syrup for a touch of sweetness. Her Nana was always giving her treats her mother wouldn’t often allow. While Vanessa was younger and didn’t have the same opportunity to know her Nana as closely, the family holds these memories with fondness. Wanda also passed down her appreciation for personal presentation. She taught both Marquitta and Marissa how to apply makeup, use nail lacquer (preferably a shade of red, by Elizabeth Arden) and insisted they present themselves well before walking out the front door. Something that remains evident in her granddaughters and great grandchildren. Wanda faced lifelong mental health challenges, which increasingly affected her relationships and daily functioning. These challenges shaped each daughter’s experience a little differently. By the time she was roughly in her late 40’s Wanda began to live a quiet and reclusive life. On the morning of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Wanda went home to be with the Lord. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Al Frost, Sr. and Mrs. Lovanna Webb Frost; brother Al G. Frost, Jr; sister in law Patricia Robinson Frost; Aunt Eula Mae Strayhorn; Cousin John Strayhorn and his wife Hortense; and nephew Neko Smiley. Wanda is survived by her daughters, Marquitta R. Frost, and Marissa J. Frost (Minot, ND); grandchildren Nia Jenkins; Vanessa Taylor, and Logan C. Fettig (Minot, ND); great grandchildren Aniyah Williams; Kennedy Williams, and Robert Bills. She is also survived by siblings Jacqueline Martin; George C. Frost; Mercedes Walker (Michael); Cherise Randle (TK), all of Minnesota. Her surviving nephews include Brian Frost-Shaul; Barry Frost-Shaul; Baron Martin, Sr; Kristin Robinson; Leevie Martin; Christian Frost (Christina); Kareem Randle, and Kevin Hilliard, Jr. Surviving nieces include Andrelle Jones (Darin); Alena Flowers (William); Sharla Martin; Kaitlin Hampton (Raheim); Melanie Frost; Kaejha Hilliard, and Summer Randle. Wanda is also survived by a host of great nieces, great nephews, as well as other Webb and Frost family members. Acknowledgement We would like to thank each one of you for your kindness shown through prayers, cards, calls, text messages, hugs and kisses. We appreciate every act of fondness from extended family, friends and loved ones during this time. The loss of someone is a tough endeavor that we all must encounter. Again, thank you and may God bless you abundantly for your thoughtfulness. The Family Very Special Thank You To Reverend Loretta Livingston, Deacon Patrice Hughes-Alfred, Jimmy Buggs and Deacon Troy Smith of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Minneapolis Program Designer, Bikira Stevenson The Capri Theater Songstress, J. Michelle “Chelle” Caldwell Table Décor, Glenda “Beanie” Burkhalter-Martin Miss Judy’s Desserts, Judy Smith and Pam Allen Balloon Creations, Felisha Bailey of Fe Luxx Event Décor and More Bonus Dad, Robert Steveson and Family Sincere Gratitude and Thank You to Mr. Tracy Wesley and Staff of Estes Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the African American Child Wellness Institute (AACWI) AACWI AND/OR National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI MN) https://namimn.org/get-involved/donate_now/

Wanda Jean Frost

July 9, 1947 - July 28, 2026