of Batesville, AR
February 5, 1930 - July 27, 2020
Mary Jeanette Wood was born on February 5, 1930 and left this earth on July 27, 2020 at the age of ninety years, five months, and 22 days. MJ as she liked to be called was born in Alpena Pass, AR and raised in Harrison, AR. She was the daughter of Cliff Wood and Tressie Pearl Jones Wood Godfrey. Education came easy for MJ and she graduated from Harrison High School at sixteen. Mary Jeanette attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville majoring in physical education where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and was Homecoming Queen in 1947. It was at the U of A that she met the love of her life W. Stanley Wood (no relation) of Batesville. They married on April 9, 1949. She moved to Batesville to begin a 71+ year journey with Stan.
Mary Jeanette made Batesville her home and quickly fit in joining various organizations including Chapter Z, PEO Sisterhood. She was a founding member of the Batesville Junior Auxiliary and sang and tap danced in the JA Follies for many years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Batesville. MJ would tell you that her greatest accomplishment was creating a home for Stan and her three children plus a place of refuge and ''Café JJ'' for her Grands.
Mary Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents.
MJ is survived by her husband of 71 years, W. Stanley Wood, her three children, Scott Wood (Myra Looney), Janet Wood, and Karan Wood Skinner (J.T.) all of Batesville. Ten grandchildren; Stanley C. Wood (Lynn), Brian Kendall (Stephanie), Damon Johnson (Crystal), Julie Anna Skinner Taylor, Laura Wood Brissey (Phil), Jennifer Wood Cooksey (Brandon), Karan Kendall Pierce (Jeff), Jesse Skinner Freiert (Jeffrey), Woody Skinner (Bess), and Mary Wood Cox (Casey). There are nineteen great grandchildren, Joshua Wood, Lily Gillihan, Aiden Gieskieng, Howell Taylor, Zachary Wood, Luke Brissey, Liam Gieskieng, Timothy Wood, Mark Brissey, Hattie Johnson, Georgie Freiert, Preston Kendall, Bryce Cooksey, Reid Pierce, Rhece Cooksey, Ben Pierce, Caroline Kendall, Hodgson Cox and Athalia Cox; plus a host of relatives and friends. She and Stan were both only children and she was always proud of the large family legacy they have fostered.
Because of the potential danger of Covid-19 the family has elected not to have visitation. A graveside service will be held at the family site in Oaklawn Cemetery of Batesville on Friday, July 31, 2020 @ 10:30 AM. Pallbearers will be her Grandsons. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Batesville, AR or your favorite charity.
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and social distancing will be observed and all attendees must provide and wear their own face covering.
Robert Ford, Jr. and family are saddened to learn of the passing of "MJ". We extend our deepest sympathy to each of you during the loss of your beloved wife and mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.
Sincerely,
Robert Ford, Jr.
Ronald J. Ford
Rebecca Ford Doster
A mother is truly a gift from God and left a wonderful legacy in such an outstanding family. Our sympathy and prayers are with all who loved her. God Bless!
Sending our deepest Sympathy
Sending prayers and our deepest Sympathy.
Scott, Dusty and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and the Wood family at this difficult time. We feel your sadness. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry to learn of MJ's passing. She was a kind & precious lady that will be missed by many. Please know our thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this sad time.
In His love....
So sorry for you loss. She was a wonderful lady in every way. I know she will be truly missed by everyone. You all are in my prayers.
We were saddened to hear of Mary Jeanette’s death. It was an honor to have known her. Our prayers will be with Stan and the entire Wood family.
With great respect,
David and Linda Hidy
Stan, Scott, Janet, Karen & Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful lady. MJ will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
In Christ,
Harlon Martin
Mark & Laura (Martin) Morris & Marley
Bill and I send our love, respect and sympathy at the passing of this fine lady.
Memories of a lovely lady and a wonderful family from my growing up years in Batesville! Sending hugs & prayers as you celebrate a life well-lived!
Scott, Janet, Karan, so sad for you. It’s a hard time no matter how long we have our parents. Please hug your dad for us. Thoughts and prayers for all of your family. â¤ï¸
I'm so sorry to hear this she was a great lady gonna miss hearing her say there's the other mary janette prayers for all her loved ones RIP mary Jeanette
Mr. Wood and family, I am so very saddened to learn of MJ's passing. She was such an anchor for us all during our high school years! I loved her dearly! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Much love to all.
Always a smile and a hello where ever we met. Mr. and Mrs Wood were two of my favorite people.
My prayers and thoughts are with the Wood family.
Thank you for sharing this Lady.
Stan, Scott and family,
We are sorry for your loss. MJ was certainly a jewel and will be missed by your family as well as many others. Love and prayers to your family.
Ron and Martha Lewallen
We thought the world of Mrs. Wood. Prayers of comfort for her family.
My deepest condolences to Scott Mr. Stanley and the Wood family. I became acquainted with MJ when she would visit with Betty and me. She always brought us brownies. She was a very kind and loving person. God's Blessings to you all.
Scott and family, I am soo sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.
Mr. Stanley Wood and family, we are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.
So very sorry for your loss. My family and I will be thinking of you in your time of loss.
Scott we are so very sorry for your loss. We are keeping you, your family and your father in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Buddy and Missy Carlile