Opal Lee Wood, 98, of Whiteville, departed this life Thursday, November 3, 2022, at AHC Healthcare in McNairy County.
She was born Wednesday, April 9, 1924, in Perry County, daughter of the late Paul E. Bates and Hattie Harriett Riley Bates, and lived in Gibson County from age 6. She spent most of her married life in Hardeman County. She worked for 27 years for Whiteville Armature, retiring in 1989. She was preceded in death by her former husband, James Coffman Wood in 1975. Mrs. Wood enjoyed gardening and cooking, listening to music and was described by her family as ‘always ready to help anyone’. She especially loved being around her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were the lights of her life. She was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church.
Survivors include her daughter, Lawanta Latch (Randy) of Adamsville; her son, Stephen Wood (Connie) of Bolivar; five grandchildren, Justin Wood (Breanna), Kimberly Wood Cossar (Robert), Jennifer Latch Cupples (Jeff), Melinda Latch Reynolds (Brandon) and Jeremy Latch (Katie); and 11 great grandchildren, Caroline & Connor Wood, Samuel, Grayson and Hayes Cossar, Jaxon & Jacie Cupples, Trent & Grant Ashley, Noah and Allie Katie Latch. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two infant children, Eddie Wayne Wood and Patricia Ann Wood; her sister, Mary Nell Fairless and two brothers, James Bates and Charles Bates. Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to Trinity Baptist Church in Bolivar.
