The sparkling in her smile would welcome you.

Mary Lee Wood was born in McMinnville, Tennessee on June 26, 1953. She was the fourteenth of 15 children and the youngest daughter born to the union of Malcolm R. and Carrie M. Wood. Mary departed this world suddenly on January 10, 2022.

Mary attended Pleasant Hill, Central High, and Warren County Senior High Schools in McMinnville. After graduating from high school in 1971, she attended a technical school in Kansas City, Missouri to study computers. Mary later moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1975. Her administrative skills and jovial personality were a great fit with St. Aloysius Catholic School where she worked for several years as the school secretary. Students and staff adored her. Mary desired to pursue other career interests and left the school to work at Higbee’s Department Store as a Credit Specialist. In 1979 she began her employment with Central Bank which merged with Society and is currently Key Bank. For nearly the next 25 years, Mary worked for Key Bank as an Account Specialist. After leaving Key Bank, she worked at Orca House as a Receptionist and Clerical Assistant. Her compassionate nature served individuals with chemical dependencies and provided them a kind place to begin transforming their lives. During Mary’s early career years, her passion for changing the political landscape in Cleveland led her to become very active in local government by campaigning in several political races.

Mary was baptized as a young child at Martin Charge in McMinnville, Tennessee. After her relocation to Cleveland, she became a member of Christian Tabernacle Evangelistic Church and deepened her knowledge and faith. She later joined Pentecostal Church of Christ. As a member of Pentecostal Church of Christ, she found a harmonious fit for her ministry in serving as a Greeter. Her personable demeanor invited people in to worship and feel welcomed by her radiant smile. Mary also served on the Scholarship and Ambassador Committees.

Mary loved spending time with her family, including her church family. Her infectious laugh could fill a room and encourage anyone to enjoy her company. Mary really enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places. Her Southern upbringing taught her incredible skills in the kitchen. She enjoyed cooking. Mary was known for her “famous rolls” which everyone looked forward to at all the family gatherings. Her generosity of spirit and service would make everyone feel at home in her presence. She also enjoyed line dancing; and her time on the dancefloor was accompanied by smiles and laughter. In Mary’s early years she enjoyed making jewelry. Her love of jewelry was ongoing. Mary was always known to like a little “sparkle” in her jewelry and attire to accessorize the twinkle and brightness of her face.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Malcom R. and Carrie M. Wood; son, Kerry L. Guy; brothers, Clarence Wood, Algoma Wood, Carlous Wood, James Wood; sister, Manila Marshall; brothers-in-law Charles Marshall and Russell Ramsey; sisters-in-law Eloise Wood and Barbara Wood.

Mary Lee is survived by her brothers, Harold (Rubie) Wood, Luther Wood, Orbin (Sue) Wood, Henry (Hattie) Wood, William Wood, Paul (Sharon) Wood; sisters, Dorothy Ramsey, Catherine Young, Yvonne Wood; sister-in-law, Carrie Wood; and numerous nephews, nieces, family, and friends.

While we don’t understand Mary’s rapid departure, we recall one of her favorite verses found in Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” We will miss her dearly and trust she has joyfully been welcomed in her heavenly home.