Wanda JoJo West Hatcher

It is with great sorrow the family of Wanda "Jo-Jo" West-Hatcher announces her passing on June 29, 2021 with her adoring family nearby. Born June 12th, 1946 to Robert and Maurine West in Norman Oklahoma, Wanda was one of five children. The West Family owned and operated Pat and Sue's drive in where she was affectionally nicknamed "Blanch" after her grandmother, who had a gift of talking to just about anyone who would listen while performing her duties as a carhop. Many long-time friendships and fond memories were formed over the course of time the drive in was open.

Wanda attended St. Joseph's school until it closed at which time she transferred to West Mid-High and on to Norman High School. She affectionately categorized people as "Norman, Old Norman, and St. Joseph", meaning if you were in the St. Joseph category you had been there since the beginning of time, and likely related to half of the population. Wanda shared many stories about her time at St. Joseph School, and the end of year picnics hosted at her family's farm. The freedom of the family farm and close-knit community left lasting fond memories she enjoyed sharing with her own family.

Part of the close-knit community included the Hatcher family living up the hill on 24th Ave./Straight Street. The Hatcher and West families were neighbors and friends. It was in 1963 when Wanda began dating Charles Hatcher the oldest of the Hatcher children, after being close friends with his younger sister Patricia. As the story was told, Wanda was permitted to go out with Charles once a week for a "Coca-Cola date or Coke date" as they called it, or with her younger brother Jerry as an escort. After two years of dating, Charles asked for Wanda's hand in marriage, and they wed in 1965 with the hopes of having a family of their own.

Wanda loved nature, outdoors, music, literature, art, and adored her family. She loved decorating and "antiquing" so much, so she and her dear friend Judy Matlock opened an antique and gift shop in the early eighties called the Bunny Hutch. Always mindful of her health, she took up female body building for a time and won the strongest women contest at The OU Fieldhouse in a bench press competition in 1986, a feat that impresses her grandchildren to this day. Wanda spent most of her career working in the optical business, but her true passion was her family. She was the most loving wife, mother, and grandmother and treasured by her family and friends. Her family is grateful for the legacy she left and love she so openly shared with them while always putting her loved ones first.

Wanda is survived by her husband Charles Hatcher of the home; daughter Amy Hatcher-Kennedy of Norman; son Matthew Hatcher of Norman; grandchildren Landon Kennedy, Lauren Kennedy-Garrison (Royce), and Addyson Hatcher of Norman; sisters Patricia Smith, Sue Hames of Norman; brother Gary West (Natalie) of Norman, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by father Robert West; mother Maurine Coons; brother Jerry Ray West.

Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the close friends of Wanda and Charles who have remained a constant support in their lives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Wanda at St. Joseph Church Friday July 9th, 2021 at 10:30am located at 211 N. Porter Ave. Norman OK. Guests will be received immediately afterward prior to private interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Service located at 1109 N. Porter Ave. Norman OK.

Published on July 4, 2021