Winifred Jones Wood

Winifred Jones Wood

Elizabeth City - Winifred "Winnie" Jones Wood, 85, died Monday, February 17, 2014 at the Mayview Convalescent Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was born September 17, 1928 in North Augusta, South Carolina, the youngest of the five children of the late Josephine and R.C. Jones. The other four children were Gwendolyn (Madrin); Lois (Peele); R.C. Jr.; and Everett who all predeceased her. Winnie grew up in Elizabeth City, North Carolina and graduated from Elizabeth City High School. In 1949, she graduated from the College of William and Mary. In 1950, she married George M. Wood of Camden, North Carolina. They lived for many years in Camden County, where George was an innovative farmer and businessman. George died in 1986.

Winnie spent many years volunteering with organizations that served northeastern North Carolina, with a focus on education, economic development and issues involving women and children. Winnie was a charter board member and the first woman to serve on the College of the Albemarle (COA) Foundation Board of Directors and later served as board president. She also served on the State Board of Community Colleges. Winnie was a founding member of Albemarle Hopeline, an organization dedicated to serving victims of domestic violence. She served for many years on the Board of Advisors and was board president. She also served as board president of the Pasquotank County Arts Council and chairman of the board of directors for the Museum of the Albemarle. Winnie served on the boards of a number of other local organizations, including Albemarle Smart Start Partnership, Elizabeth City State University Foundation, and the Elizabeth City Waterfront/Mariner's Wharf Organizing Committee.

Winnie was an active member of the Democratic Party. She served on the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee and was a delegate to the 1972 National Democratic Party Convention. Winnie loved music all her life. She played the flute and piccolo in the high school band as well as in college. She was particularly fond of sing-alongs and was quick to volunteer to lead a group in singing. Her family will miss the passion and energy with which she pursued all her interests.

She is survived by her five children, Gail Wood (and her husband Gary Richman), Matt Wood (and his wife Holly Cook-Wood), David Wood, Joanne Wood, and Rob Wood (and his wife Kara Donaldson). She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren, Elise and Michael Richman; Megan Wood-Tunnell, Emma and Maggie Wood; Josh and Greta Honeycutt; Isaac and Lowell Wood; and Griffin and Duncan Wood—and 1 great grandchild—Elsie Barrett Tunnell. She is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth City. A reception will be held after the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Albemarle Hopeline, PO Box 2064, Elizabeth City, NC 27906 or the College of the Albemarle Foundation, PO Box 2327, Elizabeth City, NC 27906. The family will receive visitors at the home of Matt Wood and Holly Cook-Wood, 1603 Rivershore Road, Elizabeth City, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2014. Twiford Funeral Home, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is assisting the Wood family. Online memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.TwifordFH.com.