Violet Marie Wood

Violet Marie Walling Wood went to her heavenly home on Monday, May 2, 2022, at the age of 85.

She was born June 6, 1936 in Mangum, Oklahoma to Carl Jasper and Mary Margaret Howard Walling. Violet Graduated high school in El Campo, Texas.  She married Richard (Dick) Wood on April 8, 1953 in  El Campo, Texas.  She attended Howard Payne University and McMurry College, where she graduated, with honors, in 1971. She had double majors and earned her degree with a Bachelor of Science in Education & Art.  Violet helped Richard get his Doctorate Degree in Theology, so the family always said she earned a Doctorate too. She treasured her college days and spoke of her love for education all of her life. 

Violet loved spending time at their lake house, in Breckenridge, where they welcomed numerous family and friends over the many years.  She had a knack for working crossword puzzles and enjoyed working on regular puzzles with her 5 grandchildren.  Violet enjoyed cross stitch and she had a “green thumb” with flowers and loved sharing that special gift with everyone.

Violet’s passion was teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade English in Albany. She was known for her kindness and compassion for all her students and truly loved them all.  Her spelling tests are still remembered fondly today. She typed and folded millions of church bulletins, being married to a minister of 47 years. She embraced and loved being a minister’s wife.  Violet and Richard were also Hunt Dorm Directors at McMurry College (University) from 1986-1998. They were able to continue their love for helping young people strive to be the best they could be in all aspects of their lives.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Richard Wood; her parents, Jasper “Jap” and Mary; a daughter, Teena Wood; a sister, Rosemary Howard; a brother, Gerald Walling; and son-in-law, Tom Hart.

Survivors include her son, Richard Jr. (Rick) Wood and wife Kathy, of Breckenridge; daughters Billie Jean Kinney and husband Ed, of Buffalo Gap, Jackie Hart-Brown and husband Carl, of Abilene, and Jere Verner and husband Charles, of Abilene; one sister, Judy Davidson and husband Frank, of Clyde; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Albany Cemetery, with David Stevens officiating.

Pallbearers will be Rick Wood, Casey Hart, Heather Watts, Hayley Wood, Ryan Wood, and Ian Hoffman. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Kinney, Charles Verner, Carl Brown, Tye Hart, Tripp Hart.

The family would like to thank Windcrest Retirement Center and Hospice of the Big Country for loving their mom and taking such great care of her since July 2021.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Violet Marie Wood, please visit our floral store.