On November 2, 1930, Wade and Gholda McCoulskey welcomed a new daughter, Anna Wade, into their Rockwall County pioneer family. Anna Wade was one of three McCoulskey girls, and she was the youngest. Being the baby of the family afforded her the early title of “Little Diva.’ Rockwall became the place where she grew up and thrived, and Rockwall was where she would spend her entire life.
Anna Wade attended Rockwall High School and graduated with the class of 1948. She was a great supporter of the Yellow Jackets and was a member of the cheerleading squad during her high-school days. She was in the first group of cheerleaders who got to wear short skirts, a practice that was literally on the cutting edge at that time. Even then, she was a trendsetter.
Following graduation, Anna Wade worked at Nieman Marcus in downtown Dallas, and in the fall of 1948, she began working at the Federal Reserve Bank along with her best friend, Sammie Wylie Vaught. Anna Wade worked until the fall of 1950, which was the time her eyes for banking shifted to another direction. On October 28, 1950, she joined O.L. Steger, Jr., in holy matrimony, and together they built their lives in Rockwall.
O.L. and Anna Wade were staunch supporters of the Rockwall community. Together they became the proud parents of three children: Diana, Cyndie, and O.L. Steger, III. Anna Wade was a wonderful mother to her three children. In addition to her family, Anna Wade had many beloved friends. She always enjoyed shopping, horseracing, and having friends over for afternoon coffee or happy hour. She had both a welcoming home and a welcoming heart.
On Sunday, April 26, 2020, Anna Wade, unable to speak her last goodbye on earth, uttered her first immortal words to all those who have gone before her. Along with her heavenly father, she was welcomed into her new and everlasting home by her parents; husband O.L., and sisters Dorothy McCoulskey Sorrells and Georgeine McCoulskey Robbins. Also welcoming her were a host of friends. With long good-byes now behind her, her path ahead is guaranteed and paved with eternally loving salutations.
Although Anna Wade has moved to her new home, she leaves behind some of her most precious treasures-her family and friends. Left to cherish her memory and legacy of love include her children: Diana Chapman; Cyndie Patrick and husband James; and O.L. Steger, III. Her grandchildren: Nathan Chapman and wife Brandy; and Jamie Palmer and husband Mitch. Her great-grandchildren: Ryan Chapman, Elizabeth (Ellie) Chapman, and Preston Palmer. Anna Wade is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and her caretaker Willie Combs.
Due to the current situation resulting from Covid-19 pandemic, there will be a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer Research, The Trinity Project, First United Methodist Church of Rockwall, or the Rockwall I.S.D. Education Foundation
