Elaine Spires Hobkirk 1940-2025

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — It is with heavy hearts that the family of Wanda Elaine Spires Hobkirk, 85, of Vicksburg, Mississippi announces her passing on November 27, 2025. Wanda was surrounded by her family when she slipped away peacefully while under the care of the Hospice Medical Team at River Region Hospital.

Wanda was born July 22, 1940, in Montgomery County, Missouri. She married Robert “Hobby” Hobkirk of Louisiana, Missouri on February 10, 1961. Wanda and Hobby remained side by side for 61 years until Hobby’s passing in 2022. Throughout 61 years, they were never away from one another for more than a couple of days at a time.

Wanda worked in cafeteria services as a beloved “lunch lady” at Warrenton Elementary School for 16 years before retiring from the Vicksburg Warren School district. Wanda was known for her kindness, generosity and love for all children. She always carried extra cash in her apron pocket to pay for the meals of kids who didn’t have their lunch money, and she was forever gratuitous with her serving sizes when she felt a child needed a little extra.

Wanda’s other passion was “getting out and doing.” Throughout her lifetime, she and Hobby traveled to 49 states, many times with the entire family in tow, creating memories to last a lifetime. One of her favorite places to visit was Mountain View, Arkansas, known for its live music scene.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, son Bruce, parents Mr. and Mrs. Kay and Parthena Spires, sisters Mary Frances Spires, Magdeline Hamlett, Sharon Hendricks, and brothers Leon and Donnie Spires.

Wanda is survived by brothers Gene Spires (Patty) and William Spires, daughters Janice Hobkirk Hendrix (Douglas) and Jaudon Hobkirk Presson (Mike). Wanda is also survived by grandchildren Niki Hobkirk, Christin Koestler (Chase Lungrin), Laken Edwards (Matthew), Candice Presson, Michael Presson (Bekki), Connor Presson, Josh Presson (Julia), Joey Presson, Makayla Presson, David Hobkirk (Beth Ann) and Christpher Hobkirk (Kim). Wanda’s extended family included 16 great-grandchildren.

The sun has set on an amazing life. Tomorrow, when the light dawns in Heaven and darkness is no more, it may be a long walk, but our paths will cross again.

Visitation for Wanda Hobkirk is planned for 10-11am on Monday, December 1, 2025. Funeral services will be held at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue in Vicksburg following visitation with burial at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Connor Presson, Matthew Edwards, Charles Lungrin, David Hobkirk, Christopher Hobkirk, Caden Hobkirk.