Irmo mourns a community ‘staple,’ McDonald’s worker known for her kindness

An Irmo McDonald’s worker is starting a movement on local social media for her everyday kindness, “big personality” and her ability to remember just about everyone. Wanda Morton, 69, died late last week after being a “staple” in the community for over 30 years.

“For every person who thinks they don’t make a difference, that an act of kindness or a simple smile doesn’t make an effect on someone else’s day. Think again,” Columbia resident Donna Arvay said.

Arvay’s days, she said, were always brighter when she stopped at the McDonald’s where Morton worked at the intersection of St. Andrews Road and Lake Murray Boulevard. She is hoping to continue the movement that Morton started, Arvay said.

Arvay and other Irmo residents began to add #belikewanda to their posts.

Morton got COVID-19 in 2022. Before retiring that same year, she was recognized by McDonald’s for her service, sparking a huge reaction within the community.

Her support was “mind-blowing”, Morton said in a 2022 McDonald’s interview.

Many residents said they would drive farther to go to “Morton’s McDonald’s.” Other customers said they didn’t even like McDonald’s, just Morton.

“Everybody knew Ms. Wanda,” Irmo resident Lindsay Protopapas said. “What made her special was she made you feel like she knew you.”

Every morning since 1988, Wanda Morton woke up at 5 a.m. to work the drive-through. She could distinguish people by their voice. She knew customers’ orders by their car’s model and color, Morton said in the 2022 interview.

“She didn’t cure cancer or explore space. She took our orders over a speaker but in doing so made all us feel like a long-time friend,” Protopapas said.

A friend posted about Morton on Facebook after her passing some time last week. People across social media quickly began sharing their own stories at the drive-through window.

Irmo resident Susan Lucas told The State that she has known Morton since her 41-year-old son was five.

“That was back when McDonald’s made pizzas,” she said.

Morton would make his pizza and always seemed to find “the last good toy” for her son’s Happy Meals.

“There were always hugs, lots of hugs,” Lucas said. “Rest well, sweet friend, it’s well deserved.”

Every post is filled with comments. And in almost every story, residents say that Morton remembered them when they visited.

“Her distinct voice would always bring a glimpse of happiness...it wasn’t just McDonald’s either. She would always talk to you in public, Kroger, or anywhere else,” resident Steven Johnson said. “She will be missed in the Irmo community.”

As the Midlands says goodbye to a beloved member of their community, many promise to continue sharing Morton’s everyday kindness.

“Go easy Ms. Wanda to the next place—you worked so hard. It’s time to rest now,” Protopapas wrote in a Facebook post.