Phyllis "Darlene" Wood's Obituary
Phyllis “Darlene” Wood, age 85, passed away in Grand Rapids, MI on Sunday, May 22, 2022. Darlene was born on January 9, 1937, in Ashland, KY to her parents Tracy and Geraldine (Field) Brakel. After high school she went on to get an associate of arts from Northwestern Michigan College. On October 27, 1956, she married James Wood Sr. in Traverse City, MI, and they spent 65 wonderful years together before he preceded her in death on January 26, 2022. She worked for 30 years with her husband at James Wood Agency. Some of Darlene’s hobbies included reading mystery novels, gardening, and camping, especially in Southern Pines Resort in Frostproof, Florida and Orchard Beach in Manistee. She was also a talented seamstress and knitter, making many clothes and blankets for her family. She also greatly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Darlene will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Kimberly Wood; son, Jeffrey (Dawn) Wood; five grandchildren: Mike (Amanda) Wood, Jennifer Wood, Nathan Wood, Owen (Alexandria) Wood, and Julia (Holden) Vanderweele; and one great-grandchild, Makenna Wood. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, James Wood Sr.; and son, James Wood Jr. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be taking place at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, July 6, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI, 49444, with VISITATION taking place an hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to The Alzheimer’s Association or to Fellowship Reformed Church. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com
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