Born on July 28, 1939 in Orangeburg County, South Carolina to the late Willie and Lucille

Jenkins, Ida was the only child born during their union. She was educated in Orangeburg

County schools. She graduated from South Carolina State College with a Bachelor of Science

in 1961. She returned to South Carolina State College to earn a Master's of Education in 1975.

She later earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Education from the University of South Carolina in

1981.

Ida moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shortly after completing her bachelor's degree, to stay with

relatives. There she met and married the late Carl Wanamaker. She would later give birth to

Carl J. Wanamaker and the late Debra M. Wanamaker-Johnson. Ida taught Business Education

in the Philadelphia Public School System, for eight years.

In 1973, she returned to Orangeburg, South Carolina, where she raised her two children. She was then

employed at the Orangeburg Mental Health Center as a mental health counselor. In 1978, she

also taught graduate studies at South Carolina State College until the late 1980's.

Ida served as the director of The Counseling Center at South Carolina State University from

1989 until 1991. She returned to the Orangeburg Area Mental Health Center to become the first

African- American to serve as Executive Director for eleven years. There she implemented

several programs that are still in place today, including an Adult Care Program as well as

overseeing the building of the current facility, until retiring in 2002.

She was a proud lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she served as president

of the Orangeburg Alumnae Chapter from 1988 to1992. She also served in several statewide

associations, including President of the Action Council for Cultural Mental Health & Human

Services, Inc.

Ida was raised in Andrew Chapel Baptist Church and was a faithful member. She was

extremely instrumental in the leadership and development of the church's current edifice.

She also loved participating in the church's Nursing Home Ministry, as she enjoyed singing

hymns for the residents.

In addition to her parents, Ida was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Michelle

Wanamaker-Johnson.

Ida is survived by her son, Reverend Carl & Reverend (Sheila) Wanamaker of Charlotte, North

Carolina, one grandson, Elijah Brown of Huntsville, Alabama, a son- in- law, Darin Johnson of

Orangeburg, South Carolina, cousin Nancy Meadows of Barnwell, South Carolina, as well as

other relatives and friends.