Oleta Odum Wood

Oleta Odum Wood December 16, 1923 – December 26, 2016 Oleta Odum Wood, 93, passed away Monday, December 26, 2016 in Edenton. Oleta is survived by her son, Terry Wood and daughter-in-law, Betty of Kingston, Tennessee; her daughter, Kathryn Ahearn and son-in-law, Bill of Edenton; her granddaughters, Emily Sutton and husband, John of Fairport, New York, and Bevan Elder and husband, Gillen of Portsmouth, Virginia; her great-granddaughters, Ava and Gabriella Sutton of Fairport, New York; her sister-in-law, Evelyn Wood Hynes of Maine, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-eight years, Grover C. Wood, Jr.; her parents, Ida and John Odum, and her siblings, Lillian Stubbs, Ralph Odum, Clara Frazier, and Marvin Odum. Oleta was born on December 16, 1923 in Swansboro. She graduated from Swansboro High School in 1940. After two years at Louisburg College, she attended East Carolina Teacher’s College (now East Carolina University), graduating with a BS in Education in 1944. Upon graduation, Oleta taught high school Home Economics for several years before working as a Child Welfare Case Worker for the State of North Carolina. In 1956, Oleta stopped working outside the home and devoted her life to her partnership with her husband and the care of their children. Oleta was an active member of the United Methodist Church, joining local churches in North Carolina, New York, and Virginia. She led a life of service as president of her local Methodist Women, Circle leader, and delegate to annual conference and a member of many boards within her congregations. Prior to living with her daughter, she spent several years enjoying the companionship of her fellow residents at First Colonial Inn in Virginia Beach as an active and beloved member of that community. Oleta leaves a legacy of love and loyalty to God, her family, and her friends. A funeral is scheduled for Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home with a reception to follow at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Oleta’s life. The family will receive friends Thursday morning from 10 - 10:45 a.m. at Joyner\'s Funeral Home. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Virginia Oncology for their years of care and support. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice, in Oleta’s honor. Condolences may be directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home at www.joyners.net.