Dr. Rebecca H. Wood

On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, Dr. Rebecca H. Wood, after a valiant fight to live, died peacefully at home, according to her expressed wishes. One of her favorite sayings in later times, was "I did it my way". She was born in Bartow, Florida, November 9, 1934 to Mattie Timmons and Ryan Lee Wood. She was the youngest of their five children, their baby girl. Her parents and all of her siblings preceded her in death. Dr. Wood was raised by Christian parents; her father was a leading, prominent Presbyterian Minister, and pastor of several congregations during her childhood. She often reminisced about hearing the scriptures and many sermons on her father's lap. It was there that she first learned about the love of God and that He, indeed, was most trustworthy above all. Her mother was an accomplished musician and advocate for Christian Education for pre-school children. Rebecca, a flutist and lover of good music, inherited those musical genes from her, as well as a genuine concern, that children should be introduced to Christ, personally, at a very young age. Together, her parents introduced her to Jesus and she expressed her love for Him to the end. With Him and in Him, she knew she was never alone. Her God led her to the most beautiful group of believers, disciples of Christ, at Light of Hope Church, through Calvary Presbyterian, who have demonstrated, by their care for her during the last two years, what it really means to love and care for one another. She also served as an Elder at Heritage Presbyterian. Rebecca said she truly believed that nothing was too hard for God; her mother wondered why she kept testing that proposition. Professionally and experientially, she pushed to the upper limits. She received her undergraduate degree and went on to earn her Masters. She went to Russia as an educational ambassador with Kent State University graduate program in the 50's; all of this before the Women's Liberation era. She was a most creative classroom teacher and guidance counselor and after that, earned her Ph.D. from the University of Alabama. She worked as a school psychologist in Florida and SC, an assistant professor at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, a post doctoral fellow at University of Edinburgh in Scotland, a computer programmer/analyst, and organization psychologist for corporate. She then started her own private practice and, from 1986 to 2012, when her health no longer permitted, provided psychological services to schools, nursing homes and disabled individuals in need of social security disability compensation and services. She was a champion for the underserved community, fighting the cause for justice. She was battered and bruised, but continued the fight anyway. She had a caring heart for those among us that are often misunderstood and forgotten. She leaves her family and dear friends to mourn greatly, appreciate her much for her service, and cherish her forever as a beloved child of our most high God; she is gone but never forgotten. She left knowing that she was heard and understood. She is at peace. May we all continue to live in Christ and for Him. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday at Light of Hope Presbyterian Church in Marietta with Rev. Edwin Gonzalez-Gertz officiating. Interment will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park in Marietta. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Light of Hope Presbyterian Church, 1507 Hurt Road SW, Marietta, GA 30008. Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta will be handling the arrangements. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

Dr. Rebecca H. Wood

November 9, 1934 - May 21, 2014