Pauline Wood
February 17, 1923 - March 12, 2022
Alma Pauline Wood was born in Winston-Salem, N.C. on February 17, 1923, to Sydney and Hattie Weaver. She was one of six children: Lucille, Bill, Jake, Kathleen and Duke. At
the very young age of 18 months, on the Fourth of July, she was taken to visit her grandfather, John Billings and his wife Sarah. She never left.
She stayed with them even after John passed and Sarah married Jesse Shumate. Years later she learned that being given to them was a blessing.
After high school, (grade 11 - it was the last year that 11th grade would be the full term for high school), she met and married R. C. Wood. They were a handsome couple. When he returned from serving in WWII they wanted to start a family, but were told it was unlikely they would have children. However, soon after they had a daughter, Lynette.
She and R. C. moved to Delaware where they had a small farm and a logging business. They created a home and developed many wonderful friendships during this time. It was in this home that Danny, their adopted son, came to join them at the age of 18 months.
Sadly, R. C. was killed in a logging accident leaving Pauline with a teenage daughter and six-year-old son. She would face this challenge as she did so many in her life, with total courage.
As the children grew up, she worked at Caesar Rodney High School in the cafeteria. Here she made new and lifelong friendships. When the children were grown, she met Charles Whitehurst, Sr., "Whitey". They traveled, grew wonderful vegetable gardens, cared for each other and enjoyed life together. They were partners until his passing in 2011 just months after losing her son Dan.
During her life, she had several major health issues, including 2 radical facial surgeries. She dealt with these with amazing fortitude. Never asking "why me?"
Her favorite activity was "yard sales". She had a great "eye" and had many wonderful finds over the years, many of which she shared with family and friends. Playing cards and enjoying country music also helped fill her time.
She was a talented cook and collected cookbooks and recipes her entire life. Her family enjoyed many home cooked "Southern Style" meals over the years.
She was preceded in death by her son, Dan Wood.
She is survived by her daughter, D. Lynette Palen (Michael); grandchildren, R. Erin Ergenzinger S. Lesly Kababik (Sean); great grandchildren, Casey and Keith Ergenzinger; great grandson to Kie Kababik (Alexis); great-grandson to Kaleb Kababik.
We were fortunate to have a very special friend in mother's life, Rocha Cuffee. She provided care for Pauline's body, mind and soul.
Pauline was a loving wife, partner, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be deeply missed.
A Gathering of Remembrance will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, Del.
At Pauline's request, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Delaware Hospice, delawarehospice.org, or call 302-478-5088. Thank you.
Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com