Martha C. Wood

Mrs. Wood, 83, of Charlotte, NC, died peacefully on March 3, 2012 at her home at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living. Her family and friends will dearly miss her. Never one to complain, Martha was a kind and caring soul; her concern for others always preceded her own troubles or needs. With a great sense of humor and a resilient and feisty resolve, she was seldom a spectator in life.

Martha was born on September 6, 1928 in Haines City, FL, a daughter of the late Lawrence Lumpkin and Hallie Belle Marchman Cook. Her family moved to Smyrna, GA when she was 9 years old, and she graduated from Fitzhugh Lee School in 1948.

She married A.B. Wood in 1949 and after moving several times, settled in Charlotte in 1959. She raised four children and was a dedicated homemaker. Martha was a long-time member of Park Road Baptist Church and was particularly involved with the Dorcas Sunday School class and the Christmas Tableau. Through the Outreach Committee of Park Road Baptist, she became a founding volunteer “Pink Lady” at then-Charlotte Memorial Hospital, and she served in this capacity for 17 years.

Martha was an accomplished gardener who took great delight in all growing things. The products of her creative talents always surrounded her and those she loved, especially during the holidays. Family often gathered at her table to share in the warmth of her hospitality and meals, prepared with joy and care.

Martha is survived by her husband of 63 years, A.B. Wood; children, Julie (John) Henning, Cynthia (David) Lank, and Richard (Angie) Wood; grandchildren, Alison (Jeff) Titherington, John (Amber) Henning, Jr., Lee (Brandy) Henning, Katie Lank, Megan Lank, Avery Wood, Kayle Wood; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Pat (Ted) Shipp, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her son, David Lawrence Wood, and a sister, Geneva Cook Haynes. Martha is also survived by her dear friend and long-time neighbor, Gail Vinson, and her friend and caregiver, Brenda Raley.

Family and friends feel a great sense of gratitude for the life of this loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, neighbor, and friend. The family also expresses deep thanks for the care, support, friendship, and prayers given by the residents and staff at Brighton Gardens, and her many friends and acquaintances. The family would also like to thank Dr. Kevin Sharkey of Mid-Carolina Cardiology, and Dr. Lori Taylor, nurse, Becky and the staff at Cotswold Medical Clinic.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2012 at Park Road Baptist Church with the Reverends Russ and Amy Dean officiating. Interment at Sharon Memorial Park will be private. The family will receive friends following the service in the Community Center at the church - 3900 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209.

Memorial contributions may be made to Park Road Baptist Church or Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.