Brenda Jane Wood

Brenda Jane Lillard Wood died peacefully in the presence of her family on March 10, 2026 at The Culpeper, a place she had called home for almost ten years following the death of her beloved husband, “Michael D”, in 2015. She was much loved by staff and wonderfully cared for over the years, particularly in the months and weeks before her passing. She was truly blessed to have found such a warm and compassionate community.

Brenda’s life was defined by her unwavering kindness, her dedication to family and friends, and her remarkable spirit. She and Mike made quite a couple. They loved working around the house, mowing on the John Deere and perfectly mulching around every tree and flower bed. They enjoyed dinner parties with friends and were known for their Christmas Eve gatherings with homemade oyster stew served around midnight. Her daughter-in-law will remember her first dinner date with the parents complete with chocolate pasta and strawberry sauce as the main course – not dessert. Her grandchildren will always cherish the abundance of love showered upon them by their Grandmama, especially during summer trips and weekend getaways to their beloved Grandmama and Pap’s home.

Brenda’s warmth extended far beyond the home, touching the lives of all who had the privilege to know her. For many years, she served on the board of the Fauquier Hospital Auxiliary and ran the gift shop at the hospital. She was known as constant companion and valued confidante to her many friends. She loved to pick out the perfect birthday or thank you card and to put together the most glorious flower arrangements to send. There is story after story of how she, and Mike, provided counsel and comfort in times of need.

Brenda is preceded in death by her loving parents, William Horace Lillard and Ethel Gertrude Taylor Lillard and survived by her children, Michael Kevin Wood, and his wife Josephine, and Tonya Wood Sikkar, and her five beloved grandchildren, Zachary, Isaac, Rebekah, Joshua and Jacob Sikkar.

A private memorial service will be held to celebrate her life at the Rose Park United Methodist Church in Shelby, Virginia. For those who would like to remember Brenda with a gift, the family asks that donations be made to the VBH Foundation at The Culpeper or to Hospice of the Piedmont.