Winnie “Evelyn” (James) Wood, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend died peacefully following complications from a stroke. She was called to her Heavenly home on June 10, 2020. Evelyn was born on October 5, 1939, in Liberty Valley, the sixth of seven children. Evelyn grew up in Floral where she was raised by her older sister Audrey (James) Wilcox, following the early passing of their mother Florence Evelyn (Osmon) James.
Evelyn married her childhood sweetheart Raymond “Glynn” Wood. They were married for 57 wonderful years until Glynn’s passing in 2014. Evelyn had an especially strong work ethic. She never backed away from hard work from picking crops in her youth to her long and productive time working in the factory. During Evelyn’s retirement years, she cherished time with her children and grandchildren, singing praises at church, bird watching, caring for her pets and enjoying her flower garden. Evelyn was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church. There she loved to praise God with her beautiful alto voice.
Following an earlier stroke, Evelyn made new friends and loved ones among the residents and staff at Wood-lawn Heights of Batesville. She received love and exceptional care by staff members where she was known by her first name Winnie and was affectionately called Winnie Pooh among other endearing terms. Evelyn became especially close to her roommate and “adopted sister” Clara. They lovingly teased each other, shared inside jokes, and the occasional commiseration. Evelyn and Clara had a deep love and affection for one another and frequently sang gospel hymns together. The family is especially grateful for the care, protecting eye and love shared by Clara.
Evelyn was preceded in her death by her parents Charles Ray James and Florence Evelyn (Osmon) James; her husband, Raymond “Glynn” Wood; sisters Pauline Bowman, Mary Humes, Audrey Wilcox, and Linda Smith; brothers Curtis James and Herbert James.
She is survived by her two children, Patricia (Patty) Smith (Michael) of Batesville and Michael Wood (Carolyn) of Dickinson, TX; grandchildren Melissa Needham (Andy), Brittany Garolla, Elaine Wood (Charlie Moore) and Valerie Chetta (Joseph); great-grandchildren Tye Needham, Casey Needham, Coyote Kulp and Nicholas Joseph Chetta and numerous nieces and nephews. Evelyn was tender-hearted, a loving mother and friend and was known for her bright smile and kind words. She made and had many friends and will be missed by all.
Graveside services will be held Friday, June 12, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville with Tony Moser officiating. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service.
Visitation will be Friday, June 12, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Andy Needham, Tye Needham, Mike Smith and Michael Wood.
Honorary pallbearers are the Staff at Woodlawn Heights Nursing Home.
