Selma Wakefield Moody

1935 - 2025

Selma Wakefield Moody

November 15, 1935 - July 21, 2025

Selma Wakefield Moody, 89, of Roanoke, Va., passed away at home on Monday, July 21, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born on November 15, 1935, in Fort Smith, AR, Selma was the beloved daughter of Samuel Earle Wakefield and Mary Lee Amanda Belding Burton Wakefield.

Selma attended Fort Smith Senior High School and earned her Associate's from Fort Smith Junior College. She continued her education at Hendrix College (MFA) in Conway, AR and pursued a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Iowa.

On August 23, 1958, Selma married Charles R. Moody at St. Charles Church in Oakview, Pa. Together they planted their roots in Roanoke, where Selma flourished as an active participant in the local art scene. She won numerous awards at the Sidewalk Art Show in the 1960s, taught and mentored area artists, and curated juried art shows at Our Lady of Nazareth Church, where she was a dedicated and joyful member involved in social and mission activities.

Selma's zest for life shone brightly through her love of travel, a passion she pursued at every opportunity. Her greatest happiness, however, came from her family.

She is survived by her husband, Charles; her children, Stephen A. Moody (Jill), Deborah L. Hammond (Scott) of Charlotte, NC, and Marilyn E. Moody; her sister, Mary Virginia Bray of St. Simons Island, Ga.; and her brother, Sam B. Wakefield (Peg) of Centerton, AR.

She especially loved her grandchildren and their partners, Sarah Noble, Haley Dronfield, Melissa Moody, Megan Hammond, Kevin Moody and great-granddaughter, Fern Noble.

Selma was predeceased by her parents and her brother-in-law, Jerry Bray.

The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the personnel from both the Adult Care Center of Roanoke Valley and Good Samaritan Hospice for their care and empathy.

The family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Oakey's South Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Patrick Golden officiating. Interment will follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences may be shared with her family by visiting www.Oakeys.com.

Oakey's Funeral Service - South Chapel

Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131