Wendy Lyn Badger

Wendy Lyn McCreless Badger, 50, of West Blocton, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 30, 1974, in Birmingham, Alabama, Wendy brought light, generosity, and warmth to every life she touched. Wendy is survived by her husband, MSG(R) John A. Badger, Her children: Tabatha Wallace, Austin (Brandy) Wallace, Preston Kidd, Savannah (Quinn) Reed. Bonus Children: Caitlyn McPherson, Ginni Fontenot, Alexis (Charles) Leach, Adriana Young, Allie Sorensen, and Kayla Badger, Her parents: Jefferson County Chief Deputy (Retired) James (Jodie) McCreless and Joan McCreless, Mother-in-Law: Mrs. Sherrie Badger, Brothers & Sisters: Gary (Charlene) Gulledge, Randy Gulledge, Vicky (John) Daniel, Debby Gordon, BJ (April) McCreless, Cody Chapple & Kaci Chapple. Wendy was the cherished wife of Master Sergeant (US Army, Retired) John A. Badger, with whom she shared a joyful marriage beginning on September 21, 2018. She was a devoted mother to Tabatha Wallace, Austin (Brandy) Wallace, Preston Kidd, Savannah (Quinn) Reed. Resulting from her generous and welcoming soul, she did not consider bloodlines as to what she defined as family. As such she also embraced as Bonus kids; Caitlyn McPherson, Ginni Fontenot, Alexis (Charles) Leach, Adriana Young, Allie Sorensen, and Kayla Badger. Her love extended to 15 grandchildren, with her tender heart and selfless spirit remembered by all generations. Most of the kids in the neighborhood were taken under her wings as well, she was always there to support and encourage anyone that came to her. As such, many of the children lovingly referred to her as "Ma." Wendy was the beloved daughter of Jefferson County Chief Deputy (Retired) James (Jodie) McCreless and Joan McCreless A proud Army wife and fervent supporter of America’s warfighters, Wendy was awarded the Alabama Distinguished Service Medal for her unwavering dedication to the Alabama Army National Guard and U.S. Army. She attended Bessemer Technical College, focusing on art studies and drafting. Following her passion for art, she would later work at the Birmingham News working on cartoons and other artwork. She later served as a Transportation Security Officer in the turbulent times following the events of 9/11. Wendy’s defining qualities—her generosity, kindness, and patriotism—were matched by her many passions. She was an avid Alabama fan, a lover of travel and beach days, and found joy in expressing her creativity through drawing. Above all, she loved being a grandmother, embracing every moment with her growing family. Visitation will be Friday, September 12th, 2025, at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home at 5360 Deerfoot Parkway Trussville, AL. Visitation for family will be from 9-10am with friends visitation being from 10-11am. Funeral Services will begin after visitation. Following the funeral service, we will all travel to the Alabama National Cemetery at Montevallo-at3133 Highway 119, Montevallo AL, where final service will begin at 1 pm, with graveside to follow. The family warmly thanks the CICU staff at Princeton Baptist for their heroic efforts and compassionate care as well as Dr. Player and his staff at UAB West Hospital.. Also, the Alabama Army National Guard, 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade; specifically Major General David Pritchett, Lieutenant Colonel Donald ‘BJ’ Grantham, Sergeant Joseph Kesterson and Governor Kay Ivey for their support during Wendy's final days and the recognition of her service and sacrifices for the state and nation. Wendy will be deeply missed but is fondly remembered for a life filled with love, joy, strength, travel, adventure, curiosity and the enduring spirit of generosity. The family is requesting that anyone who wishes to make a donation in Wendy’s name to the Tunnel to Towers organization at t2t.org/donate/ to continue their mission of helping castrophically wounded or ill Service Members and Law Enforcement Officers. This group assisted the family greatly when they suffered a devastating house fire. “In recognition of Wendy’s fervent support of our Military, Law Enforcement and First Responders; should you desire to do so, please wear your appropriate uniform.”

Wendy Lyn Badger

November 30, 1974 - September 5, 2025