Joyce Wood

Joyce Wood, of Nicholson, a committed Christian, loving mother, devoted wife, and endearing friend has left this earthly life and is now resting in the arms of Christ. She was 71, the daughter of the late Bill and Bessie Odum Nicholson.
She was married for 56 years to Gene Wood, her high school sweetheart. Together they raised five wonderful children, sharing with each of them their love for Christ, family, and community.
Her family was the center of her life. Her greatest delight was watching each of her children grow into loving contributing adults. She adored her thirteen grandchildren and two great grandsons and marveled in their accomplishments. She was the happiest when she was surrounded by her family during holidays and special occasions. She was a devoted sister to her siblings Martha, Thomas, Rogers, and Billy.
Joyce was a very artistic and inventive woman who was ahead of her time. A seamstress, painter, and woodworker, she could turn concepts into reality without a blueprint or pattern. She was fearless in her confidence to build anything she could conceive. Whether it was making band uniforms without a pattern, building a porch, putting down flooring, building cabinets, painting folk art pictures, or making costumes, she shared these amazing talents with family and friends throughout her life.

Joyce was also a dedicated friend. Friends and family turned to Joyce for everything from being present at childbirth, helping with sick children, planning weddings, leading community events, and building projects. Throughout her life she opened her home to family and friends who were in need, often for extended periods of time.
One of her many hobbies was collecting Hallmark Christmas ornaments. She took great pride and joy in displaying her extensive collections.

She was a member of Grove Level Baptist Church for many years where she enjoyed rich fellowship and deep friendships.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Gene, daughter Patty Brantley of Danielsville GA, daughter Deborah Allen of Santa Claus IN, daughter Cindy Thomas of Savannah GA, son Mike Wood of Nicholson GA, son John Wood of Nicholson GA, brother Rogers Nicholson of Commerce GA, brother Thomas Nicholson of Hull GA, sister Martha Fitzpatrick, thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be Friday November 21, 2008, 11:00 AM, at Grove Level Baptist Church with the Rev. John Wood, Rev. John Brantley, and Rev. Jeff Appling officiating with interment in Howington cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 1-3 and 6:30-8:30 PM.

Little-Ward Funeral Home Commerce GA is in charge of arrangements.

Flowers will be accepted or donations made to Samaritan's Children Fund, Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.