of Little Rock, AR
May 9, 1942 - October 11, 2022
Dianne Wood, 80, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on October 11th, 2022. She was born on May 9, 1942 in Gadsden, Alabama to the late Edgar Cleveland "E.C." Dobbs and Mildred Vann Dobbs.
Dianne was the Valedictorian of Gadsden High School and earned a Master's Degree in mathematics at the University of Alabama. While in college, she married her college sweetheart and professor, D. Louis Wood.
She began her career at Hall High School in the Little Rock School District (LRSD) and joined the math staff in 1965. By 1966, she became Chairman of the Math Department at Hall. In the mid-1970's, she assumed the role of Math Supervisor for the Little Rock School District and approximately one year later she was recognized by the Little Rock branch of the Jaycees as their Educator of the Year.
Dianne played a leadership role in local, state and national professional math organizations, such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, AR Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics. Over her career she filled many top executive positions in these organizations and was the chairperson of many committees and annual State and Regional Math Education conferences.
Upon her retirement from the LRSD, she joined the Teacher Education Staff as an Adjunct Mathematics Instructor at University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she loved mentoring upcoming math teachers.
After her husband of 50 years, "Lou" Wood, passed, Dianne built a new life at Parkway Village Senior Living community, where she served as an informal ambassador, reaching out to prospective residents, providing information and sharing the joy of "Parkway Living". She called her decision to move to Parkway Village "the best she'd ever made". She participated in many activities, including bridge & dominoes and she met friends for regular swim dates. And although officially retired, she enjoyed sharing her love for math by tutoring students at Terry Elementary School.
She was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church and loved her Sunday School class. She served on the Bereavement committee, arranging food and comforting others in bereavement.
She is survived by daughters, Annie Wilder of Charlotte, NC and Cindy Nieves of Salisbury, MD and five grandchildren, to whom she was known affectionately as "Deedee", Zach Wilder, Katie Wilder, Melanie Wilder, Brian Nieves and Evan Nieves. She'll be dearly missed by her brother, Dan Dobbs of Pittsburg, CA.
Although an Alabama graduate, she was an ardent Razorbacks fan and enjoyed watching SEC football. She treasured "mani-pedi" bonding time with her daughters. Besides her family, her greatest affection was reserved for her two kitties, "JD" and "Pepper", whom she adored. The kitties are being adopted by a family friend and will be well-taken care of.
A drop-by Gathering of Friends will be held on November 3rd, from 3 to 5 pm in the Garden Room of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501)224-8300. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Dianne's name to the Pulaski County Humane Society.
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10 Condolence(s)
Dr. Jo Chesser
Thursday, November 3, 2022
We haven't seen Dianne in such a long time, but always loved her smile and love of education when we were together in DKG. . I see where she was tutoring children still in math and enjoying her time at Parkway Village as well as working in our church. This speaks so highly of her as well as her accomplishments before she retired. We will miss her, but she will be with her dear friend, Judy, and so many more of God's children and her own loved ones. I am sorry that we could not be there today. Our love and prayers for her family.
Jo and Beverly Chesser
Una Carroll
Thursday, November 3, 2022
My mother worked with Diane at the IRC for what seems like forever. We have known her for over 45 years. She was such a dear person. My first memory of her was her wife beautiful smile. Her kindness radiated. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Marion Wilson
Sunday, October 30, 2022
Thinking of you all on the passing of your mum.
Love David & Marion
Angela Sewall
Sunday, October 30, 2022
What a profound loss! Fellow teacher at Hall, colleague in education, and above all, friend. Dianne and her family will be and are in my thoughts and prayers.
Theo Dillaha
Sunday, October 30, 2022
Best mathematics teacher I ever had. I was in her calculus class my senior year and I was not a star but college engineering calculus I and II was a breeze after her class. Thank you Dianne!
Judy Zink
Sunday, October 30, 2022
So sorry to learn of Mrs. Wood's passing. She was my homeroom teacher at Hall High School. Very kind person and always made every student feel welcome and valued. She smiled all the time and genuinely seemed to enjoy being with the students. You will be missed greatly.
Jo Jones
Sunday, October 30, 2022
I was sorry to hear about Dianne. My thoughts are with you at this sad time
Julie Wiedower
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Annie, Cindy and family, I am so sorry to learn of Diane’s passing. She was my teacher at Hall High and the best teacher I ever had. Our paths continued to cross in later years and her exceptional smile and warm personality always brought joy to my day. I hope you’ll find comfort in knowing how many lives she touched.
tongal humphrey
Thursday, October 13, 2022
You will be truly missed Ms. Dianne, but i know god had something better for you. We had the best the time together at Parkway Village.
Barbara Bueter
Thursday, October 13, 2022
My deepest sympathy to her family. We shared many lunch times at Parkway.