Our precious mom and granny, Daphne Jeanne Wakeford, went home to Jesus on December 01, 2024 at age 88. She was surrounded by her loving family when she passed. 

Daphne was born to Christina and Harold O'Donovan on March 13, 1936 in Hartebeesfontein, South Africa. As a child, she was very close to her two older sisters, Patsy and Yvonne. From an early age she enjoyed ballet, singing, and bicycling around their small town. She was a gifted student and was offered a scholarship to continue her education, but unfortunately had to stop school at age 15 to help her single mother support their family.  She went on to have a successful career as an executive secretary and later a personnel manager for a large firm. Daphne met her husband, Roy Wakeford, in Durban in her late teens. They married May 21, 1955 and remained married for 57 years until Roy's death in 2012.  They had 3 children- Linda, Mark, and Leanne. They lived in Durban until 1996 when they left South Africa to move to Marietta, Georgia to be with Leanne and her young family.  They lived in the same home as a multigenerational family and she was very involved in their grandchildren's lives. In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother, Daphne's favorite things were creating a beautiful garden,  playing games, and being around those she loved. Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her.

Daphne joins Roy, Linda, Patsy, and her mother in Heaven. She is survived by her son Mark, daughter and son-in-law Leanne & Marc Schneider, and son-in-law Neville Curle.  She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren- Linda: Simon Curle, Michael Curle (Leane), Michelle Lynch (Michael); Mark: Joanne Wakeford and Lisa-Jane Oxley (Dan); Leanne: Andrew Schneider, Hayley Barnard (Ian), and Justin Schneider (Sarah); her 9 great-grandchildren: Keziah, Arden, Joel, Adam, Vera, Christian, Blakely, Wakeford, and Nolan. 

To know Daphne was to love her. Her legacy of kindness, gentleness and humility will never be forgotten. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/daphne-wakeford/obituary/

Copy