Ora Belle Wood Raines

Mrs. Ora Belle Wood Raines

Jackson, TN - Mrs. Ora Belle Wood Raines passed away Friday, April 22, 2011.

Mrs. Raines, daughter of Alonzo and Mebane Ferguson Wood was born on September 24, 1926, the youngest of five children. She attended Crockett County and Madison County Public Schools. At an early age, Mrs. Raines was employed at the Bemis Mill, Bemis, TN and after her marriage to Billy L. Raines she spent many years as a homemaker, raising her three children, working in her church and always involved in her children's schools. Later in her life, she was employed as a sales associate with Holland's and Kisbers Department Stores and as a hostess for the George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home.

Mrs. Raines was married to Mr. Billy L. Raines on April 27, 1946 in Corinth, Mississippi. They would have celebrated their 65th anniversary on April 27, 2011. They made their home in the Malesus Community and were active members of Malesus Baptist Church throughout their married life until ill health prevented their attending. She was a member of the Golden Rule Sunday School Class and was very involved in the activities of the class.

Mrs. Raines has been an inspiration to all who know her as she strived to make the most of every day, even while battling cancer for many years. She loved her family and enjoyed preparing meals for them. She took pride in her home and yard and tended them devotedly. Her greatest pride were her three children, eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Mrs. Raines is survived by her husband, Billy L. Raines; her three children, Sandra Raines Watlington and husband David, Billie Ruth Raines and fiancee' Larry Richardson, Dr. Bob Raines and wife Kate Hammond; her eight grandchildren, Jeff Watlington and wife Nikki, Greg Watlington and wife Jacquie, Matthew Spitzer, Jon Spitzer and wife Stephanie, Emily Spitzer Walker and husband Jason, Eron, Samuel and Hannah Raines; twelve great grandchildren, Katie, Caleb, William and Evelyn Watlington, Christopher, Hadley, Simon and Layla Spitzer, Analeigh, Wyatt, Trent and Ethan Walker; two sisters, Marietta Atherton and Martha Durham; one brother, MacDonald Wood; special friend, Charlotte Hammond; several nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be at Malesus Baptist Church after 9 a.m., Monday, April 25, 2011 with funeral service at 10 a.m. Rev. Mark Cagle and Rev. Ray Chandler will officiate. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in the Malesus Community. Grandchildren will serve as Pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the Malesus Baptist Church, 430 Old Malesus Road, Jackson, TN 38301.

Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home, 731-424-2424