Mrs. Mertie Lewis Wood

Mrs. Mertie Lewis Wood of San Antonio passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Mertie passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering kindness. She was a devoted family member, cherished friend, and a steady presence in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother affectionately known as Mimi.

Mertie was born on April 27th,1943 in Monahans, Texas to Rev. James Temple Lewis and Murrel La Dell Stokes Lewis. As a young girl, she moved to Abilene with her family while her father attending seminary at Hardin-Simmons University School of Theology. Her father’s job as a Baptist preacher led them to many small towns in West Texas which she called home until she moved to Lockney, Texas as a freshman in high school. She attended Lockney High School. During this time, she was a cheerleader, a homecoming princess, member and officer of the Future Teacher’s Association, Choir officer, and a member of the school newspaper. She was also voted Miss Congeniality in the Miss Abilene Contest and the Plainview District FFA Sweetheart. Following in her father’s footsteps, she attended Harden-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. She graduated with a degree in teaching and supported the HSU cowboys as a member of the cheerleading team. Years later, she continued her dedication and support of Hardin-Simmons by being an active member of the Board for many years. After graduation, she moved to Dallas Texas to teach English and History to high school students.

The following year, Mertie married Dale Wood of Chicago, Illinois on June 18, 1966. They celebrated 54 wonderful years of marriage. Mertie and Dale have two children, Andrea Lynn Wood Potter of Williamsburg, Virginia and Eric Allen Wood of Denver, Colorado and four grandchildren.

She and Dale moved to Denver, Colorado in 1972 where she took classes towards a graduate degree and learned how to ski. While the snowy winters of Colorado played a role in her decision to return, it was Mertie's deep love for Texas and pride in her sixth-generation heritage that truly called her home. Therefore, after their two year sabbatical in Colorado, they returned to San Antonio where she and Dale called home for the next 50 plus years.

Mertie was active in many volunteer and social organizations serving as president or a board member including: President of Bexar County Medical Alliance, President of Texas Medical Association Alliance, The Bexar County Medical Society Foundation, San Antonio Coalition for Children, Youth and Families, The Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health Foundation, The Board of Governors of the Mays Cancer Center, South Texas Blood and Tissue Foundation, The San Antonio Country Club, The Club Giraud, Gardenia Club, Lantana Garden Club, Military Civilian Club, San Antonio Art League, Timely Topics, Girls After Grace, San Antionio Symphony and many others delightful organizations. In recognition of her more than two decades of dedicated service at The Ecumenical Center, Mertie and her husband were honored with the prestigious Legacy of Hope Award, celebrating their lasting impact and unwavering commitment to the community.

Mertie was a devoted member of Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio. On Sunday mornings, she could often be found worshiping in person, but when unable to attend, she faithfully participated by watching the live stream of the service from the comfort of her home.

Mertie delighted in shopping, volunteering, and actively serving on the boards of numerous cherished charities. Her vibrant social life included membership in several garden clubs, faith and health organizations, and her beloved birthday club. When she wasn’t enjoying the company of dear friends, Mertie dedicated her time and energy to a wide variety of philanthropic causes.

Music played a vibrant and cherished role in Mertie’s life, spanning every genre from classical and country to gospel and rock and everything in between. She found joy gathering around the piano to sing beloved tunes, as well as attending live performances by her favorite artists in beautiful venues. Mertie’s love of travel took her around the world with her devoted husband, where she forged lifelong friendships and warmly welcomed new acquaintances to visit her in Texas. Though she loved celebrating Thanksgiving at the Ranch with her loving family, she truly cherished her time at the lake house in Horseshoe Bay, creating treasured memories with family and friends whenever she made the journey there.

Mertie was preceded in death by her parents Rev. James Temple Lewis and Murrel La Dell Stokes Lewis, her sister Diema Louise Carpenter and brother Tryon Temple Lewis. Mertie is survived by her daughter Andrea Wood Potter and her husband Micheal Bradley Potter; her son Eric Allen Wood and his wife Casey Michelle Collins Wood; and granddaughters Abbey, Hannah, and Brooke Potter, and her grandson Luke Wood. She is also survived by her sister LaDell Lemmons, brother John Ryan Lewis, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Though she may be gone from our sight, Mertie Wood’s love and legacy will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. The family wishes to express their love and appreciation to the outpouring love and support from all of her wonderful friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Porter Loring, 1011 McCullough Avenue. A private family graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, 319 E. Mulberry Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78212 at 1:30 pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

To view a livestream of Mertie's service, please click this link: https://vimeo.com/event/5743895