Anna Mae Woods, age 99, died peacefully on January 19, 2020, at NHC Place Assisted Living Facility in Farragut, Tennessee. She was born to the late Arthur Cleveland Ray and Bessie M. Ray on November 24, 1920.
Anna came into this world as a 3-pound, premature baby in Stilwell, Oklahoma. To help her family, she began working at the tender age of 10 cleaning houses for a dime a day. She eventually moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where she met a persistent Army Sergeant in the base PX who finally won her heart. R.D. “Dell” Woods and Anna were married on July 5, 1946, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.
Anna worked in retail for many years and was an avid homemaker. She loved all holidays and decorated to the max. She will be remembered for her home cooking, grand holiday meals, and a sly sense of humor. She enjoyed books, visiting with family and friends, and doting on her many pets throughout the years.
Survivors include her children Jackie Coleen Wilks (Robert) of Las Vegas, New Mexico, Arthur Ray Woods (Heidi) of Switzerland, and Joanne L. Woods of Knoxville, Tennessee. Grandchildren Louis Woods and Alexander Woods and their children Ennio, Carlotta, Aldo, Gloria and Alvaro all living in Switzerland. Nieces Pam Fason (Bob) of Conway, Arkansas; Patty Wilson (Clarence) of Searcy, Arkansas; Carol Sutherland (Robert) of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Kay Mohegan (Ed) of Silom Springs, Arkansas; Lynn Sangwin (Allan) of Bentonville, Arkansas; and Nephew Joe Ray of Edmond, Oklahoma. Plus, a blessing of great-nieces and great-nephews.
Preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, R.D. Woods. Parents Arthur Cleveland Ray and Bessie M. Ray. Siblings Gladys Helen Musgrave, James Arthur ‘Jack’ Ray, Thomas Alfred Ray, William Gardner Ray, and Joe Clarence Ray. Niece Judy Gayle Vice.
The family would like to thank NHC Place Farragut and Caris Hospice for their care and ask that you hug a loved one today. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Graveside services will be held at Memphis National Cemetery, Memphis, Tennessee, on January 27, 2020, at 2pm. Berry Highland West Funeral Home has charge. Please visit the online guestbook at www.berryhighlandwest.com.
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