Martha Ruth Williams Wood, 87, of Bermuda Run, NC, went home to be with the Lord on February 12, 2016.

She is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of 65 years Dr. Milton T. Wood; a son and daughter-in-law, Milton T. (Ted) and Doris Wood of Naples, FL; a daughter and son-in-law, Joanne Wood and William (Bill) Hinman of Winston-Salem; 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson-in-law, Emily Blake Hinman Jackson of Nashville, Margaret Wood and Andrew Mehaffey of Winston-Salem, and Della Williams Hinman of Winston-Salem; 5 great-grandchildren, Alice (Allie) Jackson, and Lucille (Lucy), Calloway, Margaret (Maggie) Ruth, and Thatcher Mehaffey; a sister, Lucille Granade of AL; a brother-in-law, Bruce Tyndall of FL; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear family members and friends.

Martha was born March 24, 1928 to Thomas E. and Della W. Williams in Bartow, FL. She attended Judson College and was graduated from Stetson University. She married Milton Wood, also of Bartow, in 1951 and was a social worker until starting a family. They moved to Tampa in 1955 where they established a successful dental practice for over 42 years. Martha was a joyful homemaker, mother, and community volunteer. She adored her church family at Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and fellowshipping with their Couples Group for over 50 years. She enjoyed her work with the Salvation Army, the Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery Counseling program for breast cancer patients, and the Tampa Junior Woman’s Club very much. She served as President of the Florida Dental Association Auxilliary, traveling extensively to advocate for children’s dental health programs and to creatively lead the statewide organization.

Her love of Jesus Christ guided her life, her strong faith brought the peace that truly passes understanding, and her desire to share the good news of the saving grace of Christ’s sacrifice continued until her last words which were declared triumphantly, “Almost Home.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 20 at 3pm at the sanctuary of Calvary Baptist Church with a reception in the lobby to follow.

Donations may be made to VICCtory Over Cancer Fund-Todd and EB Jackson c/o Gift Processing PMB 407727, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37240-7727. www.vicc.org/Jackson.

Carolina Cremation of Salisbury and Charlotte is serving the Wood family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolionacremation.com.