Condolence From: Kathy Braswell
Condolence: I only met Mrs. Wood later in life when she with the after school program. She was so kind to my son, Austin, during his years there. She had many supportive, kind words for me and great advice for the mother of a son. I loved her dearly! What a blessing she was to so many. My prayers are with you all.
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Condolence From: Cher Crowley
Condolence: Mrs. Wood remains my fondest memory of moving to Starkville. She was my anchor and an outstanding teacher, not only in science but also in life.
To know Mrs. Wood, was to love her. She fiercely loved her 3 boys, held them accountable, and held the same love and standards for her students.
Without a doubt, Mrs. Wood lived as a Christian woman in all she did.
My sincerest condolences to the family, especially my friend Marcus. My prayer is for us all to celebrate the beautiful legacy of Mrs. Wood and to find comfort in knowing she is finally with the Savior she so faithfully served.
Sunday May 14, 2023
Condolence From: Larry Anderson
Condolence: Wow! What an absolute blessing direct from God it was for me to have the fabulous experience of being Principal at Armstrong Middle School for 1981-84 and coming to know this amazing pillar of strength and sterling personality who exuded God's miraculous love and mercy. I'm not sure that Mrs. Wood ever knew what a profound impact she had upon my life. Sometimes, we just don't tell one another how much we love each other. My respect for this Christian lady was--and is--off the charts. No doubt, she was welcomed with great gladness as she entered the gates of Heaven. I imagine that, just as soon as Jesus saw her, he said to her, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Mrs. Wood never sought fame or accolades for what she did. But, she surely made this world a better place for each of us who were so privileged to know her and call her our friend. She was one in a million! Many times, I thought that she and my mother just MUST have been kin, because I witnessed many of the same tender traits in both of them.
So, I pray God's special blessings upon the boys and their families. Each of the sons hold a special place in my heart...and with Marcus, especially, he cannot be mentioned in a family conversation without lots of laughter and love. I shall never hear the term "Toe Jam" without thinking of Marcus' many stories and taunts on that subject. These young men were blessed to have such a marvelous lady whose life cannot be captured accurately or sufficiently in any words from us mortal folks.
Friday May 12, 2023
Condolence From: Jacqueline (Jeannie) Updike
Condolence: As her neighbor for many years, I can say that Opal was one of the most gracious people I have ever known. My son, who was considerably younger than her boys, was thrilled to join their wiffle ball games in the backyard (of course, they made him go retrieve the balls , which he was happy to do!). I have missed seeing her as she cared for her family members who needed her. Rest well in the Lord, Opal.
Friday May 12, 2023
Condolence From: Pam Hunt
Condolence: Joe, Andy, Marcus, and families, what a blessing you had in your Mother - not only you 4 boys but all the boys and girls she taught in Starkville.Your Mother was the epitome of the caring, nurturing woman described on Mother’s Day. My prayers and thoughts are with you as you experience this loss.
Friday May 12, 2023
Condolence From: Amy Fortenberry
Condolence: Meg, Joe and Leslie, Andy and Donna, Marcus, and family:
I am so very sad and grieve with you in the loss of your precious mother. Of all the Christian women I've known, Opal impacted my life the most. Even after losing her husband, with a newborn and 3 boys to rear, I'm sure she was sad. But, I never heard her complain. She always had a positive attitude and a beautiful smile on her face. She faced her trials with her faith in God and relied on His Strength. She was a blessing to me and a shining example of what a Christian should be. May God grant you much comfort and peace, and memories of a very precious jewel named Opal.
Amy Duncan Fortenberry
Thursday May 11, 2023
