Mildred Evelyn Wood went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. Born on 28 July 1921 in Chicago, Illinois, to Peter and Sonia Lindberg, Mildred spent her lifetime in loving service to others by reflecting the grace of Jesus Christ.
Mildred grew up in Midwest America and graduated from Corning High School in Arkansas. She studied at Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway and met John Wood, a University of Arkansas medical school senior, in Pine Bluff, while working at the Federal Arsenal Dispensary. Their interest in medicine and each other culminated in their marriage in Little Rock on 18 December 1944. Mildred lovingly supported John Wood in his demanding role as the only surgeon in Polk County. Together in Mena, they raised five children, attended & served the First Presbyterian Church, supported the community including service on the school board, and never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Bearcats and the Razorbacks.
Mildred was preceded in death by her mother, Sonia; her sister, Rose Wisdom; her husband, John Wood; and a grand-daughter, Sarah Loughran.
She is survived by her five children: Steven and Sally Wood of, Rockport, MA, Linda and Don Loughran of Carrollton, TX, Kathy and Frank Childers of, Austin, TX, Carl Wood of Mena, AR, and Olen and Iris Wood of Coeur d’Alene, ID.
Mildred is also survived by four grandchildren: Abigail McKinney, Rebekah Self, Andrew Childers (all of Austin, TX) and Roger Wood (New York City, NY); six great-grandchildren: Logan, Elijah, Skyler & Matthew Self (Austin, TX) and Haley & Brody Childers (Austin, TX).
A Memorial Service celebrating Mildred’s life was held at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 904 Church Ave, Mena, Arkansas 71953.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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