Faye "Boots" Alexander Wade, 95, of Athens, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with her family by her side.

Born on July 14, 1930, in Cedartown, Georgia, Boots was the daughter of the late Henry Alexander and Leola Ford Alexander.

After graduating from high school, she met and married the love of her life, Dr. William M. Wade Jr. As a young wife, Boots worked as a secretary to help support Bill through dental school at the University of Alabama. Throughout their marriage, she was a devoted wife, partner, and steadfast supporter of her husband during his distinguished career as a military officer and oral surgeon.

The couple's military life took them across the country, including assignments in Mississippi, Texas, California, Alaska, and Florida. Following Colonel Wade's retirement, they returned to the South, where they enjoyed many happy years sailing aboard their beloved sailboat, Eagle, in the waters of Okaloosa Bay and Perdido Bay. Though she never learned to swim, Boots often spoke fondly of her adventures on the water with her husband.

Boots was an avid reader who could easily finish a novel in a single day. She loved history, followed current events and politics closely, and remained intellectually curious throughout her life. Independent and determined, she managed her own home well into her nineties and never forgot a birthday. Those who knew her will remember her sharp sense of humor, strong will, and Southern grace.

In later years, Boots moved to West Virginia to be closer to her daughter, Pam. There she treasured holidays, family gatherings, and the opportunity to spend time with her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Colonel William M. Wade Jr. (Retired), and her son, William M. Wade III.

She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Wade Lane and her partner, Michael Mullins; her grandchildren, Jessica Erin Lane and her husband, Kyle Mohr, Carolyn Lane Johnson and her husband, Andrew Johnson, and Kristin Wade; her great-grandchildren, Ellie, Madeleine, William, Becca, and Maverick; her sister, Mickey Murray; and her daughter-in-law, Andrea Wade.

Boots will be remembered for her love of family and the grace with which she lived her life.

A Celebration of Life for Boots will be held at The Loft at 1123 Mercer Street in Princeton, West Virginia, at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Refreshments and fellowship will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation in honor of Boots' lifelong support of military families.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com.

The Wade family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.