Obituary of Lisa M. Wadlington

Lisa Michelle (Means) Wadlington 58, of Waukesha, WI sadly departed on August 24, 2023, after bravely fighting against cancer. Born in Oakland, CA to Michael Romero Means and Maxine (Means) Franklin on April 22, 1965. She was raised by her parents, Michael and Maxine Means, and years later by Maxine and Judge Carson Purifoy. In her early childhood, Lisa was a kind and responsible big sister. She blossomed into a beautiful young lady, anticipating the start of her independent journey in life. Lisa graduated from Lincoln High School in Stockton, California, at the age of sixteen. She went on to be the youngest employee for Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. Shortly after, she encountered her future husband, Kenneth Edward Wadlington Sr., with whom she later had three children before relocating to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and eventually Franklin, Wisconsin. Lisa had a passion for working with her hands. She independently learned the art of working with wood and restoring furniture. Crafting was among her cherished hobbies, and she delighted in fashioning exquisite handmade jewelry for herself and loved ones. She was highly knowledgeable on profound subjects and intellectually gifted at analyzing. She utilized her problem-solving skills by co-owning and administrating several childcare facilities with her mother and sisters at the Milwaukee School of Arts. Lisa later retired due to disability from serious health conditions. Her laughter and witty humor endeared her to everyone fortunate enough to be acquainted with her. She was a devoted and loving mother and wife who helped rehabilitate her husband Kenneth Sr. after a traumatic brain injury and was a dedicated caregiver in his last days of life.

 Lisa and Kenneth Sr. are survived by their children: Kenneth Wadlington Jr, Megan Wadlington, grandchildren; Togar Elayne Parham (Dwayne) Parham, Elizabeth Wadlington, Jeremy Moy, great grandchildren; Kelsey Parham, Kaisye Parham, and Kelyse  Parham. They are also survived by Lisa's sisters and brother: Marian (Means) Harris, Trina (Ernest) Zazueta Sr., Angela Marie Means, and Robert Anthony (Naceille) Means. As well as their nieces and nephews: Crystal (Joshua) (nee McCrary) Alfred, Thomas Harris III, Joshua (Mikayla) Harris, Ernest Zazueta, Eriq Zazueta, Bailey Zazueta, and Edwin Zazueta, Jeanalyn Means, Michael  Means III, Robert Means Jr. Also, their great-nieces and nephew: Ariela Alfred, Amber Alfred, Anthony Alfred, Elliott Harris, and Bailey Harris. she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Kenneth Edward Wadlington Sr. (10/28/57 - 07/31/16), son, Jeremy Lance Wadlington (10/10/86 - 08/29/03); mother, Maxine Franklin (12/17/47 - 11/12/12); and father, Michael Romero Means (06/25/43 - 08/01/21), brother, Michael Romero Means, Jr.

Lisa and Kenneth Sr.'s absence will be deeply felt by everyone who held them dear.