Arlena Richardson Wood

Obituary Tribute to our loving Mother

Arlena Richardson Wood

May 26, 1928  -  18 May 2023

Mrs. Arlena Richardson Wood, daughter of the late Rev. Charlie Richardson and Dallas Byrd Richardson was one of 8 children. She quietly passed on to Glory in her home about 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18,  2023 in the year of our Lord making her stay on earth  94 years,11months and 22 days.

Arlena professed and lived a strong belief and Faith in Christ Jesus, her Creator, Lord and Savior. Near 14 years of age she was baptized in the Roaring River and joined Rock Creek Baptist Church in Wilkes County, NC. When she married the late Eli Glenn Wood, U.S. Army Veteran, on July 4, 1947 she later joined Bethany Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, was a founding member of the Women’s Circle where she served as an officer for over 15 years and served in other ways until she started living with a daughter out of state and her health changed. When Glenn, a fine cabinet maker, carpenter and farmer, unexpectedly passed away on April 6, 1980, Arlena’s world was shattered for a long time. As a young widow she saw some tough times, but totally trusted God for guidance and help; He was always there for her and saw her through. She loved Glenn with her whole heart unconditionally.

Arlena loved children. She and Glenn were proud to have 4 children and one grandchild.  They both enjoyed simple living on their farm and raising a family together. They loved God, family and their country. I recall tears and much concern in 1963 when the Supreme Court took prayer out of public schools. Their children were the late Cynthia Dian, CAPT Darlene Wood Harvey, USN (Ret) – married to CDR Craig Harvey, USNR (RET), Michael Steven Wood  – married to Audrey Prevette, and Glenda Wood Elliott – married to Scott Elliott, and her only granddaughter, Allison Elliott Carr - married  to Josh Carr. Allison was born when Arlena was 70 years old and Arlena got a new lease on life and developed a broader perspective on living – she loved Allison beyond words. Allison brought her such pleasure, love and joy.

Arlena was a great volunteer for many years in Bethany Baptist Church. She proudly lead a Mountain View Brownie troop and helped with school trips, fund raisers, coat drives and baked/sewed/made all kinds of goodies for the children. She supported the DAV, MADD and pro-life organizations. She gladly helped with projects and trips for children at Ebenezer Children’s Home. In later years she became politically active with various candidate campaigns and pro-life prayer vigils and events. She loved America – her homeland – and an advocate for the U.S. Constitution. In 2021 we learned she was eligible to join the Daughters of the American Revolution (Darlene did join DAR).

Arlena was a strong Proverbs 31 woman of integrity who was industrious, kind, caring, loving, and a quick witted person who brought sunshine into the room when she entered. She was a supporter and believer in homeopathy and naturopathy and during her last years she took no pharmaceuticals. She believed the Holy Scriptures, that her body was a Temple of God and she wanted to take care of it. She loved people and never saw a stranger.  She really enjoyed school. One of the high lights of her adult life was get her high school diploma in 1983 at the same time as her younger daughter, Glenda, received hers. A few of her favorite things were her car (the independence it provide after decades of no transportation), the color red, peppermint candy, gardening, breakfast, chocolate candy, country, gospel and classical music, Bible reading, people watching, quilting, laughing and enjoying people and LIFE.

Since October 2015 she was miraculously sustained by God’s answering our prayers. Mom believed in being a self-care advocate using mostly nature remedies and enjoyed a life free of taking medications – which she enjoyed. The last years were very hard physically and mentally, but spiritually she stayed strong and keep her spirts high – believing, trusting, obeying, singing praises and loving until her last breath which ended in God’s mighty arms. We share this to encourage all seniors and their families. Families care for your loved ones.

Arlena is survived by brother, Dean Richardson and his wife Betty; brother-in-law, Claudeus Johnston, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Janice Wood and Helen Wood; brother-in-law, Stancy Caldwell and several nieces and nephews.

Thank you to special friends who helped us, encouraged us and cared for her - Lillie Wood, Margaret Lyall, Libby Holbrook, Allison Sneed, and caregivers as physical challenges grew - Vicki Vonkaenel, Marlene Hutchinson, Ashley Tucker, Hayley Usrey and others

A special thanks to Craig Harvey, Scott Elliott, John Caldwell, Kevin Gregory, Ricky Stone, Milton Whitley, Gary Wiles and Bruce Staley. These gracious and caring men lifted and helped Arlena stand and walk her last steps.

Some of Mom’s sayings: “You preach your funeral by how you live.” She’d say, “You can’t out give God.” And another thing she’d say “Always leave things better than you find them.” Her brother, Dean said Arlena was the welfare provider of the Rock Creek community – because she would literally give the shoes off her feet or the last glass of milk or can of food to help someone in need, She and her Aunt Zelda gathered used coats and gave them to children at Mountain View Elementary School. Most definitely the world is better because Arlena lived. Her hands surely blessed numerous relatives, friends, acquaintances and strangers over the years. She lived a life of sharing, caring, and giving. Her legacy is one of love for her family, neighbors, and humankind – God’s Children. Now God is smiling on Arlena and calls her home with a “Well Done” my faithful child.

A graveside service will be conducted Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in Bethany Baptist Church cemetery, 1585 Bethany Ford Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659. She will be interred by her husband, Glenn. Her nephew, Rev. Robert Wiles to officiate. Several family members and friends will share with loving memories about how Arlena impacted their lives. She was a difference maker.

Donations may be made to Bethany Baptist Church, Ebenezer Children’s Home (www.EbenezerFamily.org ), www.StudentsForLife.org  or www.ProjectUltrasound.org

Arlena’s Children and Family Thank you for joining us in celebrating her LIFE:

Steve (Predeceased his mother on June 2, 2021) and wife - Audrey Glenda and husband Scott Elliott

Darlene and husband Craig Harvey

Arlena’s Grandchild, Allison Elliott Carr and husband Josh Carr – expecting great-grandson

P.S. Thanks to all of Arlena’s Christian Family for your years of Love and Prayers. May God continue Blessing you with love, Mercy and may God’s Salvation be yours eternally when you Believe, Trust and Obey.

Until we meet in Heaven – please Know – Jesus Loves you and I love you.

Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that’s how I will remember you all.

But, if you can only remember me with tears and sadness then, don’t remember me at all.