Irene Katherine Maitland Wood met her Savior and rejoined her husband, Sam Wood on May 26, 2023 at 8 PM from her Palmetto residence. She was 82 years old. Born in Buffalo, New York to the late Charles Maitland and Ella Wodrig Maitland on April 30, l941, she grew up in Buffalo and graduated from Lakeshore Central High School in Silver Creek, NY. She met her husband, Sam while he served in the U. S. Army. They were married in Donaldsonville, Ga. on Jan. 21, 1967, a marriage of 56 years until his death on Jan. 15, 2023. A devoted couple, they lived in many areas before settling in Lee County in l971. Irene worked many years at Hunter-Sadler in the Cutting Dept and worked several years at River Oaks ultimately retiring to take care of her husband, S. Sgt. Sam Wood,after he suffered a stroke. A beloved wife, mother and MaMaw to her 19 grand and great grandchildren, Irene’s life centered around loving and caring for her family. She enjoyed crocheting, photography, tending her flowers and family gatherings. She and Sam were faithful members of Old Union Baptist Church.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, May 30, 2023 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with their pastor, Bro. Josh Meadows officiating. Private burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 AM-service time on Tuesday only at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Livestreaming at 11 AM Tuesday.
Irene is survived by her 4 children, Diana Hardin (Ben) of Eggville, David Wood of Palmetto, Lisa Roberts (Mike) of Palmetto and Wendy Chisholm (David) of Pontotoc; her grandchildren, Christin Kennedy (Jamie), Tiffany Tubb (Josh), James Roberts (Kacey), Lauren Webb (John Mark),Dylan Wood (Marianne), Jordan Nguyen (Logan), Haley Chisholm, Brandon Wood and Rylee Chisholm; 10 great grandchildren, Madden, Lizzie, Connor, Haven, Nora, Olivia, Halle, Tristan, John Hardin and Skyler (arriving in July); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and their families; 1 sister, Ella Maitland Preiser of Elmsford, NY. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Sam, 2 brothers, Charles and Sonny Maitland and a sister, Diane Villafranca.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Old Union Baptist Church, 113 CR 455, Shannon, MS. 38868.
