Linda Beasley Wood, 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, after a long battle with dementia. Born In Johnston County, NC, she is the daughter of the late John Berchel Beasley and Rowena Moore Beasley. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents are her sisters Doris Chisenhall, Helen Cook, and brothers Billie Gale Beasley, Johnnie Beasley and special sister-in-law Hilda Beasley. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, James Norman Wood, her son Dennis Wood (Deidre), brothers Orbie Lee Beasley (Geraldine) and Donald Bruce Beasley (Linda), and several nieces and nephews.
After moving to Wilmington to care for one of her nephews, she met her husband Norman and they married in 1967. She worked briefly as a seamstress and enjoyed volunteering at the print shop for New Hanover County Schools, but made her life as a homemaker and took great pride in that role. It was her joy to provide for her husband and son. She took pleasure in cooking for them and for many others. There was always a homemade dinner on the table each night with fresh made from scratch biscuits. She was an excellent cook and baker and especially well known for those biscuits, fried chicken, her chocolate cake and strawberry cake. For her son’s wedding, she proudly made the groom’s cake and even the caterers wanted the recipe. Family and friends often made special requests for her delicious meals. In addition, she enjoyed caring for neighbor’s children during summers and after school. She saw this as a way of making sure her son always had other children to play with, but she took pleasure in watching them grow up as well.
She was a nurturer and excelled in caregiving. She took care of her mother-in-law for years. When she was younger, she also helped to raise some of her nieces and nephews. In her later years, she took great joy in caring for their yorkie, Charley.
Linda was a devoted Christian and was a longtime member of Wilmington First Pentecostal Holiness Church. She was active in the Women’s Auxiliary, Sunday school, and she loved to sing in the choir. She always volunteered to provide food for church events and people were excited when she brought her famous ham and biscuits.
Linda genuinely cared for everyone around her. She was a hugger and always said she loved you. Today, those hugs are being given abundantly in heaven.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Monday August 10, 2026 at Andrews Mortuary on Market. The funeral service will be Tuesday Aug 11, 2026 at 11am at the chapel at Andrews Mortuary on Market. Internment will follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
