Mary"Bettye"Baskin Wood

Mary Elizabeth "Bettye" Baskin Wood, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, September 25, 2013.Born on January 21, 1928 in Baton Rouge, she was the daughter of Eddie and Sadie Baskin. After graduating from Baton Rouge High School, Bettye attended Stephens College and graduated from L.S.U. with a double major in English and Math and a minor in music. Her studies in graduate school were interrupted with the arrival of her children. She then focused on being a full time Mother and homemaker. As her children grew older, Bettye was a much sought after substitute teacher. Her gift of teaching enabled her to substitute with short notice on every subject from Calculus to P.E. or Shop. She was well thought of for her ability to control a classroom and to teach any subject effectively. Bettye served as an Elder at Broadmoor Presbyterian, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, was VBS director for several years and was active in the church "Joy and Sharing" Christmas program. Bettye was active in numerous civic and philanthropic organizations, serving as President or executive officer in most organizations to which she belonged. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, City PanHellenic Council, B.R. Jaycee Jayne's, YWCA and YWCO Boards, B.R. Opera Guild, PTA President Westdale Jr. High, PTA State Historian, Woman's Clubhouse, The Reviewers Club, PEO Sisterhood and The Harlequins. Bettye had a life long interest in genealogy and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving in numerous local and national official capacities. She was also a member and officer in the Daughters of the Colonial Wars as well as in the National Society of the Magna Charta Dames and the Caledonian Society. Bettye was appointed by the Governor to the Louisiana Commission of the Bicentennial of the U. S. Constitution, where she served as the Secretary. She also was appointed by the Mayor to the B.R. Commission for the Bicentennial of the Bill of Rights. Bettye was awarded the George Washington Gold Medal of Honor by the Freedom Foundation Valley Forge for Outstanding Individual Contributions from these celebrations. She served as commissioner in charge of E.B.R. voting precinct. From an early age, Bettye enjoyed traveling extensively both domestically and internationally. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Trigg, her children Amelia and husband Charlie Simpson, Kathryn and husband Steve Merritt, Thomas Harris Wood and Tracy Hightower, a daughter-in-law-Ellie Wood, Grandchildren; Jessica and Suzie Wood, Cole and Michael Simpson, Jill and Bailey Hightower, Andrew, Lauren and Christian Merritt, Charity Merritt and husband Keith Ford and Great Grandchildren-Sawyer, Cooper and Logan Ford; and her lifelong friend, Nan McKowen. She was preceded in death by her son John Trigg Wood, III, her parents, her brother, Harris Jackson and her beloved Grandfather-T. H. Harris. A visitation and reception will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 29th, from 4:00PM to 6:00 PM at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will be at 1 PM on Monday, September 30th, with a viewing beforehand from 12:00 PM to 1:00PM at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church. A graveside service will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Thomas Wood, Stephen Andrew Merritt, Christian Merritt, Charlie Simpson, Tom McKowen and Steve Merritt. The family would like to thank Judy McCall and family, the Adi family, Staff at Landmark of Baton Rouge and Dr. Say and the staff at Hospice of Baton Rouge and Dr. Ashley Cowart. A special thank you to Elaine Bradford and Bettie Dunn for the loving, Godly care they gave our mother during her last few days. Contributions in her memory can be made to Broadmoor Presbyterian Church or the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School, 6077 Main Street, Grant AL. 35747. Please sign our online registry athttp://www.rabenhorst.com/" target="_blank">www.rabenhorst.com.