Wanda Gregory, mother of Rex and grandmother of Rex, Jr., passed away in Houston on Nov. 1, age 80. Many Houstonians knew and loved Wanda through her work with the Texas Jazz Festival (Corpus Christi), of which she was a co-founder in the 1960s, and with which she was closely involved for the rest of her life. Following is a very touching tribute from son Rex: Wanda Gregory (Mama Jazz!) "Wanda went to the big bandstand in the sky on Tuesday, Nov 1st at 2:30pm in Houston, Texas after giving life her all for 80 years. Her son Rex Gregory was at her side as she slipped peacefully into eternal rest. Born Wanda Jean Deming in Little Rock Arkansas on September 7, 1925. She moved to Corpus Christi and married GC “Shocky” Gregory, a trumpet player and band leader after the war. She was the singer in his band for many years going by the stage name of Wanda Dexter. Wanda retired after 33 years as a certified court reporter for the Nueces District and County courts system. She was a founding member of the Texas Jazz Festival Society and served as an honored member for 44 years. She had a beautiful voice and blessed many an audience with her vocal skill. Anyone who ever encountered Wanda will testify that she was a one of a kind lady with a heart as big as her voice and that she has raised the bar for future generations of musicians for many years to come. She truly represented the best in her commitment to bring musical appreciation and joy to all the people in the form of jazz. She will forever be remembered as “Mama Jazz” and live on in the hearts and souls of those of us who were lucky enough to have been a part of her life. She was and will always be an inspiration for all musicians playing all kinds of music, including all of her foster children in The Zakary Thaks and numerous other groups during her stay here on earth. She is survived by her only son Rex Gregory of Houston, 55, a video producer and musician, and her grandson Rex GC Gregory (Jr), 21, a sax player, currently attending a jazz music conservatory in the Netherlands, finishing his senior year on a full scholarship. A celebration of life will be held in December in conjunction with the Texas Jazz Festival with a formal announcement to follow. We shall make a joyous sound and never forget her. Keep on swinging, Wanda…"