Mary Wood
Mary Duncan Wood “flew away” to her heavenly home on November 27, 2020. She will always be remembered for the love she showed through her joy and laughter, abundant gifts from her Heavenly Father.
She was born on Nov. 25, 1936, to Perva and Janie Duncan in Talladega, Al. She graduated from Talladega High School in 1955 and then University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1976. She was married to the love of her life Robert “RC” Wood for 63 years, and they had two children, Mike and Paula, who were her greatest joys. An elementary school teacher for 25 years, she retired in 2001 to enjoy her life as “MeiMei” to four grandchildren. Beloved by her students and fellow teachers, she earned the Hamilton County Teacher of the Year award in 1994. Mary Wood was a cornerstone in her Port Serena and Ridge Bay neighborhoods and a dedicated member of Middle Valley Baptist Church.
Mary’s infectious laugh, contagious joy and enduring positivity will always be a beacon of strength for her family and friends. We knew her as gentle and kind, yet steadfast. She was a teacher, tried and true. Her bright light will continue to shine through all who knew her. To know Mary was to love her and to be loved by her.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister Dot, and her infant brother William.
She is survived by her children, Mike (Holly) Wood and Paula (Keith) Hall; her grandchildren, Natalie (Blake) Owen, Ryan (Heather) Wood, Lydia Hall, and Alivia Hall; and her great-grandchildren, Lilly, Maggie, and Mary Claire Owen, Cohen and Emmett Wood.
There will be a private family visitation followed by a public distanced graveside service on Dec. 2, at 3:30 p.m. at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Mary Wood’s name to Sarah Cannon Cancer Center.
Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, 423 531-3975.