Mary Ann (Young) Wood, a resident of the Palmetto community, was called home on Sunday, June 5th 2026. After a nearly 20-year battle with breast and bone cancer, she received her hard-fought hallelujah. Mary was born on August 4th, 1944, in Lafayette County to Herman and Mamie Young. She often told stories about her humble beginnings and the time she spent with her five siblings. At the age of 13, Mary and her family moved to Verona, MS. She attended First Baptist Church of Verona for the majority of her life; she often stated that it was the first place that truly felt like home. She attended Shannon High School, where she met her High School sweetheart, Gary Wood. Mary and Gary were married in June of 1964 at First Baptist Church Verona. They welcomed their first child, Greg, in 1967. Mary often shared stories about the first four years of their marriage when they shared a home with Mr. and Mrs. Wood. In 1968, they built their home, where they have remained for 58 years. They later welcomed their other two children, Tom and Rebecca. In her life, she worked as a practical nurse and held numerous volunteer positions, but her greatest accomplishment was being a Mother. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She was a woman of many traits, but she was most known for her humor. Mary had a gift of bringing light to any situation. Laughter filled every room she was in. She was a friend to everyone. Her kindness impacted everyone in her path. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she acted with pure love and selflessness. She enjoyed quilting, cooking, reading her bible, and spending time with her family. On Saturdays, you could find her working alongside her husband, Gary, in the “building”, which was the store they ran for many years. When Mary knew she was growing tired, she provided very detailed instructions in the event of her passing. She wanted everyone to know that her “favorite men were God and Gary”. She also provided intricate instructions related to “keeping the pallbearers in line and under control” because she didn’t want them to be too rowdy. Pallbearers are as follows: John Gregory Wood, Luke Wood, Bryson Kimbrough, Ben Bast, Jantzen Woodard, Cain Kimbrough, and Silas Bast. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Albert Herman and Mamie Annalee Young. Her brother, Murray Young, and her sisters-in-laws, Margaret, Dee, and Katie Young. She is survived by her husband; Gary Wood; Three children, Greg (Paula) Wood; Tommy Wood, MD; and Rebecca (Todd) Miller; Six grandchildren; Maggie (Bryson) Kimbrough; Emily (Ben) Bast; John Gregory Wood; Luke Wood; Anny (Jantzen) Woodard; and Mary Todd Miller; Three great grandchildren; Cain Kimbrough; Mary Collins Kimbrough; and Silas Bast; Four Siblings; James Young; Ralph (Barbra) Young. Vicky (David) Mears and Neil Young, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Mary requested to give a special thanks to her dedicated caregivers, Charlene Dillard, Celia Ward, and Bobby Jasper, who were by her side till the very end. The family would also like to extend thanks to those who cared for Mary at Sanctuary Hospice House during the 1 ½ years she remained under their care.Services will be 1 PM Saturday at Lee Memorial Funeral Home Chapel With Rev. David Hamilton and Rev. Danny Beaudroux officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. 

Visitation will be 11 - 1 Saturday.

Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House.