Wanda Jean Sawyer - Zamorano

Wanda Jean Sawyer Zamorano was born to the most wonderful parents in the world, Andrew Louis Sawyer and Billie Louise Byler Sawyer August 11, 1947. She attended Mertzon Schools now known as Irion County. She graduated from Mertzon High School in 1965, Sul Ross State University in 1970, Texas Tech University in 1974, and Nova Southeastern University in 1994. Wanda taught in Balmorhea ISD and Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. She taught graduate and undergraduate classes at Texas Woman’s University. She served on the national faculty of Turner Educational Services Inc./CNN for six years. She was a member of Texas State Teachers’ Association/National Education Association, American Association of University Women, International Reading Association, and Kappa Delta Phi. Wanda was featured in numerous publications including WHO’S WHO IN AMERICAN EDUCATION, WHO’S WHO IN THE WORLD, WHO’S WHO IN THE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST, and WHO’S WHO AMONG AMERICAN WOMEN. Wanda shared her reading program throughout the nation and Europe.

Wanda retired from the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD in May 2004 after teaching 33 years. She immediately began volunteering in church capacities; educational, civic and charity organizations. Wanda completed chaplain training in December 2024. She really enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Wanda married the late Orbie Gatewood in 1966 in Ft. Stockton, Texas. She moved to Irving, Texas, in 1972. She married Hector Zamorano in 1973 and they had one daughter, Anna Maria (Bita) Zamorano. Wanda was privileged to have parented Carla, Kathy, Roland, and Cristi. Kelley and Carmi were precious to Wanda in her extended family.

Wanda is survived by her sister, Annie Lou Harris and husband Jimmy; brother Billy Louis Sawyer and wife Billie Faye; brother Bobo Sawyer and his wife Susan; step-brother Buster White and wife Teresa; step-sisters Loretta Ellis and husband Ray, Jackie Shaw and husband Johnny; numerous nieces and nephews; an uncle and numerous cousins.

Wanda was preceded in death by her daddy, Andrew Louis Sawyer, mother Billie Louise Sawyer White, sister Betty Sue Kolb, and nephew Alan Ray Harris, and step-father Jr. White.

Pallbearers are Robert Harris, Byron Sawyer, Nathan Sawyer, Travis Sawyer, Andrew Harris, Aaron Harris, Brian Harris, and Brice Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Baxter, Johnnie McComb, Buddy Martin, Tommy Ewing, Loye Tankersly, and George Tullos.

A graveside service will be at the Sherwood Cemetery Tuesday March 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. Please bring your own chair. This will be a celebration of life, and you are encouraged to wear color. A reception will follow at the Sawyer Farm - 18717 South US Highway 277, Christoval, TX 76935.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

The Sherwood Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 523, Mertzon, TX 76941.

The Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, https://donkeyrescue.org/donate/