SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — A Castalia Heights family is reeling after the sudden loss of their matriarch in a house fire Tuesday in Memphis.
Wanda Rucker-Pipkins had just returned home from the hospital this week when a raging fire broke out at her home June 4, 2024.
The family is saddened by the loss, but held strong by their faith that she’s looking down on them with love and gratitude
“They released her from the hospital Monday, but God saw fit to release her from the world on Tuesday. We take comfort in knowing where she is and we know that she’s healed and has no more trouble,” said LaKisha Johnson, her niece.
The fire not only took Rucker’s life, but also turned the home into a total loss. Two other family members who shared the space with her now need to start over.
While ABC24 was there, a family member emerged from the damaged home with a book of photos left untouched by the flames. Rucker leaves behind a family that won’t soon forget her.
“If you needed something and it was her last, she would give it. Wanda had a spirit like that. It's devastating that she’s gone, because she was a light. But we know that she has impacted a lot of people,” Johnson said.
If you are interested in donating to the Rucker family, the GoFundMe link is available here.