Mrs. Wood, a loving wife and mother, was an educator for more than 40 years. She taught first grade in Lexington District 5, spending most of her career as a teacher at Seven Oaks Elementary School. Nothing – save her family – gave Mrs. Wood more satisfaction than loving and mentoring thousands of Midlands-area students, who loved her back. She also taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School.

Mrs. Wood relocated to Cayce from Kingsport, Tennessee, when husband Jerry took a management job at Eastman Chemical Company. The mother of Lou Wood Kennedy, Mrs. Wood settled into life in the Midlands, where she cheered each promotion Jerry earned and motivated her daughter to work hard, give back and treat everyone with grace.

Mrs. Wood met her husband when they were teenagers, and they began dating as students at East Tennessee State University. Her father-in-law married the couple, and they recently celebrated 61 years together.

Mrs. Wood drove daughter Lou to extracurricular activities Lou was involved in growing up, and made certain Lou was equipped with the tools she needed to succeed.

Surviving Mrs. Wood are her devoted husband, Jerry; loving daughter, Lou Wood Kennedy of Lexington (Bill); granddaughter, Xanna Bailey of Lexington (Travis) and great-grandson, Lincoln Bailey. Mrs. Wood is also survived by Paul Wood (Mildred), Sarah Benson, Daniel Wood (Cara), Becky Reece (Chuck), countless nieces and nephews and the Seven Oaks family, with whom she loved to spend time.

Mrs. Wood was predeceased by her parents; brother, Donald Thomas; sister, Mary Wills and brother-in-law, Lewis Wills. She was also predeceased by brothers-in-law, Lambert and David Wood and other members of the Wood family.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 -6:45 PM on Wednesday, July 28 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home in Lexington and a celebration of life will follow from 6:45 - 7:15 PM at the funeral home. A private family burial will be held on Thursday, July 29 at 10:00 AM.