Willadene, a long time native of Greensburg, IN, passed away peacefully February 18, 2025, falling a month shy of her 99th birthday. Her family celebrates her life knowing that she is now with her beloved Jesus, having been a humble servant of God and an earth angel to many throughout her long life.
Willadene was born to Paul T. and Martha Jackson on March 14, 1926. An only child, she enjoyed having fun with her cousins’ visits on her family farm, Burr Oak, west of Greensburg.
She was fun-loving, having inherited her father’s sense of humor and dedication to God’s teachings, family and community until her death. Her last days were filled with loving scripture, songs of praise and faith that lifted those around her.
As a young girl, Willadene showed an exceptionally gifted talent for music, mainly in piano, and went on to study music theory, piano and pipe organ at Hanover College in Indiana upon graduating from Greensburg High School in 1944.
She met her husband of 69 years prior to his death in 2018, Rolland ‘Woody’ E. Wood, of Madison, IN during her last year in college and married November 26, 1948 following her college graduation.
After living away from her beloved Decatur County for a few years, Willadene ‘Willie’ and ‘Woody’ (as they were called), came back to her home to help her folks farm the near 700 acres. She loved simple country living while raising her four children. Adding to her enjoyment years later, she adored being a grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother to 18, soon-to-be 19, precious little souls.
To know Willadene was a joy. Her bright smile and infectious laugh would brighten your day, as well as warm your heart for she made you feel your specialness being a child of God.
Never one “to toot your own horn” as she would quip, she really preferred to be in the background. She was always willing to lend a hand to help others in need with many local charities, volunteered in the local hospital for years, played piano to celebrate weddings and supported the bereaved through her loving touch on the organ as she quietly shared the messages from the hymns which she knew God was hearing, as well.
Residents of local nursing homes were entertained by her cheerful songs and sing-a-longs. When asked what she wanted to be remembered for, she quickly replied, “That I helped!” She led by example.
She leaves behind loving sons, Paul (Carol) Wood, of Littleton, CO, John (Ilyce) Wood of Nipoma, CA and identical twin daughters, Cheryl (Bill) Behrman of Gainesville, FL and Carol Wood (Ed Montalvo) of Mesa, AZ, eight grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Rest assured God’s heavenly choir is enjoying and spreading her motto: "Keep a Song in Your Heart!” Just as she did …with amazing grace.
A visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Bill Behrman will be officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Greensburg Community Bread of Life or to the Greensburg Community Schools Education Foundation. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
