Linda Lea Wood's Obituary
A service of celebration for the life and legacy of Linda Lea Wood will be held at 10am on Friday, March 13, 2026 in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home. Reverend Dr. CJ Tillinghast and Temple Carpenter III will be officiating. Graveside service will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Henderson, Texas at 2pm. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 12th at Rader Funeral Home from 6-8pm. Linda passed into the eternal arms of Jesus on March 7, 2026.
She was born on August 15, 1938, in Shelby County, Texas to Arbon Lee and Vada Samford Lowe. She spent her childhood in several locations but settled in and made Longview her home.
Linda graduated from Gaston Senior High School in 1956. She then went on to Southern Methodist University (SMU) School of Nursing in Dallas, graduated in November 1959 and became a Registered Nurse.
Linda worked as a surgical nurse for Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Texas. This is where she met her beloved husband of 56 years, John J. Wood. Linda and John were married February 28, 1970. Together, they had 2 children, Leslie and Darren. Linda chose to leave nursing behind to stay home with her family. She dedicated her life to her children, nephews, grandchildren and all who needed her. As the anchor of her family, her loving-kindness and nurturing touched not only those in her home, but also everyone she knew.
She remained an active member of Greggton Global Methodist. She was a founding member and former president of the Alethea Sunday School Class. Linda cherished her church family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Arbon Jack Lowe, her sister LaJuan Lowe Carpenter, her nephew Tracy Steven Carpenter, and her twin great-nephews, Chris and Corey Carpenter.
Linda is survived by her husband, John J. Wood. Her children Leslie Smith & husband Michael of Decorah, IA and Darren Wood of Longview. Her step-children Vickie Wood of Commerce and John Wood Jr. & wife Kathy of Cy-fair. Her grandchildren - Karly Green & husband Chance, Rory Curtin & wife Kasey, Madi Brasher & husband Wade, Ian Smith & wife Gabby, Matthew Smith & fiancée Alyssa Sobolik, Sara Wood, and Rya Wood. Her great-grandson Austin Green. Her favorite nephew Temple Carpenter III & wife Sandra. As well as numerous extended family members, loved ones and friends.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Visiting Angels of Longview for providing exceptional home care, her many medical providers and to all of her family and friends that prayed over her.
Please make donations to the charity of your choice or Greggton Global Methodist Church, PO Box 5486, Longview, Tx 75608 https://www.greggton.org/giving
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