Betty Hall Wood

WOOD, BETTY HALL, 99, of Tampa, passed away on August 23, 2026, after a brief illness. Surrounded by her loving family in her final hours, she died peacefully in her home of more than 70 years. She was predeceased by her parents, D. Novell Hall and Julia Vasta Crews, and her husband, G. Pierce Wood, Jr. She is survived by two children, George Novell Wood (Claire) and Betsy Wood Chambers (Steve). She has three grandsons, Rip, Crews, and Christian Chambers; a granddaughter, Cecelia Perez (Danny); and two great-grandchildren, Victoria and Robert Perez.

Betty, a fifth-generation Floridian, was born on April 19, 1927, in Zolfo Springs, FL. Depression time sent her family moving about the state tracking her father’s agricultural career. She was educated in the public school system in various counties, eventually settling in Arcadia, FL, where she attended DeSoto County High. There she captured the heart of her future husband, Pierce. Betty attended Florida State College for Women for 2 years and proudly left to become one of the first co-eds of the University of Florida. She graduated with a degree in education magna cum laude. A self-proclaimed Golden Era girl, she was and always will be, a die-hard Gator fan. At UF, she was in the first pledge class of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and until death was the last living founder of the chapter.

After college she married Pierce, a US Naval Academy graduate. His service as an officer in the United States Navy allowed them to move throughout the United States. After the birth of their son, they settled in Tampa. Pierce joined the Tampa Electric Company, becoming an executive and Betty embarked on a career dedicated to helping the community.

Volunteer extraordinaire, Betty has been chairwoman and on many boards of non-profit organizations. She remained an active member of all kinds of clubs and groups to include The Junior League of Tampa (Sustainer of the Year), H.B. Plant Museum Society (Founder and President), H.B. Plant Museum Board, Chiselers, Mary Lee’s House, Town and Gown, and Red Cross Angels. Other organizations include The Home Association (President), Easter Seal Board, Red Cross Board, The Spring Board, Guilders, Junior Woman’s Club 39ers, Lamplighters, Project Return, DACCO, Citizens Advisory Council and Plant High PTA (President). She was appointed by the mayor to the Bi-Racial Board of Tampa. Betty is a member of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, the Tampa Yacht and Country Club, the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, and the University Club of Tampa.

Her significant role in the community as a volunteer landed her a position at Burdines. She was recruited to take a part-time job for the store at Tampa Bay Center as the Special Events and Fashion Coordinator. She was so good at peaking the public’s interest in the newly opened store, Burdines enlarged her territory to include the entire west coast of Florida. Best known for her role in developing teen boards throughout the state and her flare for fashion, she became affectionately known as “Betty Burdines.” After 10 years she left the position because it was interfering with her commitment to volunteering. Since then, she has never stopped giving her time.

Betty believed it was an honor to serve as a volunteer of any organization. No matter how menial or significant the position, she considered the offer to serve a great privilege. For her, maintaining an active and supportive role, giving enthusiastically of time and money, no matter how large or small, was vital to the success of any organization. Above all, Betty once stated, “the key to having a good time while helping others, is to never let it interfere with family life.”

Betty will long be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend. Though an only child, she was surrounded by a multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Betty was witty, quick, and charming. She could light up a room and in a crowd, she was without bridle. She was one of a kind.

The family wishes to thank her physicians, Joel Silverfield, M.D. and Benjamin Mackie, M.D.; her health care aides, Janet, Maria, and Charm; and the cherished friends who cared for her, On, Laura, and Jenny.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to: H.B. Plant Museum Society Inc, P.O. Box 320453, Tampa, FL 33679; The Chiselers Inc, P.O. Box 18633, Tampa, FL 33679; or The Junior League of Tampa, 87 Columbia Drive, Tampa, FL 33606.

Services will be Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, at 1:00 pm at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, corner of Madison and Marion Streets, in Tampa.