Maxine Sharon Wood, born to Earl and Pearl Wood of Whittier on May 9, 1950, passed away on Friday, August 2 at Mountain View Manor in Bryson City.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother Carl Wood, of Brevard, and two sisters Patricia Wood Bailey of Bryson City and Brenda Wood Coggins of Whittier. Surviving are two brothers, Michael Wood (Angela) of Midland, and Rev. Sam Wood (Rhonda) of Monroe, and three sisters, Dawn Wood Barker of Bryson City, Debra Wood Wallick of Hilton Head, SC and Melody Wood Pitts (Dennis) of Hickory; Sister-in-Law Irene Henry Wood of Brevard, and Brother-in-Law Robert Bailey of Bryson City.

Maxine attended Qualla Elementary, Sylva-Webster High, and graduated from Western Carolina University in 1989. Her hobbies were writing poetry and watching Star Trek.

She was a member of the Whittier Church of God, where she had served as SS teacher and choir member. She had an exceptional gift and love of the Holy Bible, and was adamant about scripture memorization and could quote full chapters at a time.

Maxine loved all her numerous nieces and nephews (too many to count) and had two special lifelong friends Linda Wood and Mary Passmore, and an in-home aide, Glenda Herron, who helped her for several years and became close as family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 10 at the Whittier Church of God. Visitation will be from 10-11 am, with service at 11. Pastor Shane Silvers and Rev. Sam Wood will officiate. Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City is assisting the family with arrangements.