Josephine P. Wood

Josephine Parks Wood, our family’s Matriarch, passed away March 16, 2026. She was the wife of the late Alvin Wood, who was the love of her life.

Jo was born in Union, November 30, 1943, a daughter of the late Harold and Edna Chalk Parks. She was the heart of our family, a constant source of warmth, strength, and unconditional love. She was a comfort to many and a joy to all.

Jo loved the unlovable, as Jesus served and loved those who could not repay him. She practiced kindness and compassion rather than just speaking about her faith. In a world filled with noise, Jo listened. She made others feel valued and showed them the love of God. Her heart was always open, and her table was always full.

Jo spent her entire life in her beloved hometown of Union where she raised three children; her daughters, Melody Lancaster and Roxanne Ridings and husband David and her son, Robin Wood and wife Wendy. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Jennifer Wood, Zack Wood and wife Jennifer, Hannah Ridings, Rebeccah Bautista and husband Diego and Tanner Lancaster and wife Alesha; great grandchildren, Madeline Rodriguez, Mason Rodriguez, Alanna Bautista, Carter Lancaster and Levi Wood and a brother, Mike Parks and wife Sara Jane. She is also survived by her fiercely loyal and loving dog, “Baby”. Jo was predeceased by an infant son, Alvin Wood, Jr., a son-in-law, Derrick Lancaster, sisters, Joyce Lipsey, Brenda Ochiltree and Nita White and a brother, Fred Parks.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Philippi Baptist Church Cemetery conducted by Rev. Brad Goodale. A reception for family and friends will be held in the church Fellowship Hall immediately following the services.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 901 S. Pine St., Spartanburg, SC 29302.

The family will be at their respective homes.

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