Wanda Cairnes Branks, 66, of Hendersonville passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Pardee Hospital following a lengthy illness.  She was a daughter of the late Arthur and Isabell Camp Prince.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joe Branks; 11 brothers and sisters; and a grandson, Samuel Branks.

Ms. Branks was a member of Berea Baptist Church, an avid gardener who enjoyed creating community gardens for her friends and neighbors.  She was the first woman from Hendersonville to graduate from Job Corps in New Jersey. Wanda dedicated her life to her family and helping others and worked over a decade for the Hendersonville Housing Authority.

Survivors include her husband, Charles Cairnes; daughters, Terena Cole of SC, Debra Boys, Amanda Branks and step-daughter, Peggy Williams all of Hendersonville; sons, Bobby and Billy Branks of Hendersonville and David Branks of Bills Creek; 21 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; sister, Phyllis Bowman of SC; brother, Billy Prince of Walnut Grove.

The family would like to give a special thanks to her nurses, Mary and Fran for the wonderful care.

Funeral services will be held 2pm on Thursday at Berea Baptist Church with the Rev. Matt Metzger officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends at her residence, in Mountain Home on Wednesday from 6-8pm, and at other times friends are welcome to visit.