Janet S. Wood

Janet S. Wood, 89, of Verona, died on Friday, November 3, 2017, after suffering a massive stroke.  Janet was born in Augusta County on June 17, 1928 to Kenney Edward and Mary Alice (Johns) Sheets.  On January 17, 1953, Janet was united in marriage to Donald Lewis Wood who passed away at the age of 42 in 1971. Becoming a widow at such a young age made her the strong and independent woman she was. A graduate of Dunsmore Business College, Janet served as Executive Secretary to R.R. “Jake” Smith of Smith’s Transfer for many years.  Janet is survived by two daughters: Christine Wood Root (Frank) with whom she made her residence for the past 12 years and Rebecca Wood Shickel (Gary) who hosted “Grandma Night” every Monday for the past 18 years.  Her grandchildren include Leah R. Thomas (Rob), Amy S. Piedra (Alex), Grace S. Yoder (Mike), Isaac C. Shickel (Jessie), and Stephanie S. Lee (David).  Janet felt blessed to have the following great-grandchildren:  Micah, Abraham, & Noah Thomas; Franklin & Mandy Piedra; and Mason Yoder.  Janet was looking forward to the births of two more great-granddaughters by year’s end. She is also survived by her sister, E. Waltine Sheets, with whom she celebrated “Sister Day” every Thursday; her brother, Carl W. Sheets (Katherine); brothers-in-law, Max Craig and Garold Senger, and a cherished lifelong friend, Mary Ellen Smiley, with whom she traveled extensively.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, who were all very special to her.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Paul W. Sheets, and her sisters, Kathleen S. Coffman and Ethel S. Craig. The family will receive friends at Henry Funeral Home on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 3:00 – 5:00.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heifer International, One World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202.  Heifer International’s mission is to work with communities to end world hunger and poverty.  Janet’s father was one of the first area farmers to donate heifers to this project in 1947. She was a long-time member of Barren Ridge Church of the Brethren where a graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, by her pastor, Galen Combs.  The family would like to thank the staff of Augusta Health and Bridgewater Home for their loving care of Janet, as well as her family, over the past week.