Gertrude Williams Wood "Trudy" Poole

Gertrude Williams Wood “Trudy” Poole, 99, of Sulphur, Louisiana passed away at her home on Thursday, July 24, 2025. She was born to her late parents, George and Willie Jane Bennett Williams on May 18, 1926 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was one of ten siblings. Her family moved to Hackberry, Louisiana in 1932, where she resided most of her growing up years.

She graduated from Hackberry High School in 1943. Since it was during World War II, with rationing and limited transportation, it was difficult to go to college at that time.

In 1946, she was married to Sandy Wood in Natchez, Mississippi. He was a World War II veteran having served in the European Theater.

They had four children born to them. Robert Earl, William Lewis, Sandra Jean, and James Edward.

In 1959, Sandy died with heart damage from rheumatic fever. The family was living in Odessa, Texas where Sandy was buried.

They moved to Sulphur in 1960 where the children attended school.

She received an LPN License in 1966 from Sowela Tech and worked in hospitals in Sulphur, New Orleans, and Gulfport, Mississippi.

In 1968, she married Rev. D.W. Poole and together served a church in New Orleans for five years. In 1973, they moved to Gulfport and semi-retired. In 1976, they returned to live in Sulphur.

Trudy was active in church activities at Henning Memorial United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Sunday School, Mustard Seed activities, Elderberries, and Friendship Meals (she loved to cook). She enjoyed family and loved being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Trudy was active in gardening, reading, crocheting, embroidery, and all family activities.

She is survived by her children, Robert Earl Wood of Seymour, Tennessee, James Edward Wood (Debbie) of Sulphur, Louisiana, and Sandra Wood Barnes of Sulphur, Louisiana; two sisters, Juanita Williams of Mesquite, Texas, and Minnie “Sis” Johnson of Ft. Collins, Colorado; grandchildren, Chad Wood (Michele), Jennifer Wood Edmundson (Chad), Tanner Barnes (Anastasia), Logan Barnes; two step grandchildren, Amanda Tullos and Ashley Tullos; numerous great grandchildren and step great grandchildren; along with three great-great grandchildren.

Trudy is preceded in death by her husbands, Sandy Wood and Rev. Willie Poole; son, William “Bill” Wood and his wife, Gayle Gillard Wood; daughter-in-law, Marie Gillard Wood; grandson, Mark Wood; siblings, George, Walter, Bootsie, Frank, Pearl, Mary, and Liz; along with her in-laws, James Poole and his wife Rhetta, Dan Poole and his wife Nelwyn, and Mary Poole.

A Celebration of Trudy’s life will be held at Henning Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Jo Ann Cooper officiating. Visitation will begin prior to the service on Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Immediately following the service, everyone is invited to the church hall for a time of fellowship.

A private burial will be held at Mimosa Pines South Cemetery in Carlyss, Louisiana.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com.