Mrs. Nancy Nelson Wood

Nancy Elizabeth Nelson Wood, age 75, passed away Friday evening at Pioneer Community Hospital. She was born on June 7, 1936 in Patrick County. Nancy was the youngest of the late Walter Ganes and Florence Hill Nelson's seven children. Of those seven children she was predeceased by three sisters; Mary Tucker, Sue Amos and Lorene Bryant; and two brothers; Holmes Nelson and Dick Nelson. A brother Billy Nelson of Bassett, Virginia survives his sister. She grew up on her family's farm in the Nettle Ridge Community, where she had multiple chores such as milking cows and working in the fields, but still found time to graduate as Salutatorian of her class at Hardin Reynolds Memorial School in Critz, Virginia.
Nancy's first job was with Stuart Motor Company where she met Delano Wood, the love of her life, who later became her husband. Their first child, Sandra Lynn, was born July 1, 1969, but sadly, she died at birth. At the birth of their second child, Dee Ann born on January 15, 1971, Nancy and Delano were overjoyed and filled with appreciation for this precious gift of God.
Nancy continued her career with the Patrick County Bank in Stuart where she had worked since 1960. She saw many changes at the bank during her 37 years there, from the days of hand-cranked adding machines to the current age of computerized banking and multiple mergers. She was always a dedicated and caring employee who especially liked helping the older folks in the community understand the changes in technology, and tried to make all her clients feel welcome.
Nancy has always been one who couldn't say "No" when folks needed a hand. Her volunteer service included the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association, the Leukemia Society and the United Way of Patrick County, where she served for over 20 years. During those twenty years, she acted as Chairperson, President and Board Member. She was an active member of the Nettle Ridge United Methodist Church, which her father helped build in the early 1900's, near her home place. Through the years she held many positions in the church and was the pianist there for over 60 years!
Nancy was a talented artist, cook, photographer, and gardener and always had a love for learning. When she could find some spare time, she took college classes at night and earned her degree at age 61, graduating with a double major in Business Management & Technology with highest honors, "Summa Cum Laude".
If asked, however, Nancy always emphatically stated her greatest joy and most important priority in her life was loving and raising her daughter, Dee Ann Wood Kivett, who now resides in Greenville, SC with her husband, Walter Kivett, and Nancy's four grandchildren, Sarah (17), Conley (14), Kyle (4), and Kelli (3).
In April of 2011, Nancy was diagnosed with cancer. During her time in the hospital, she had a dream from the Lord of small children playing in muddy water. Her heart was greatly burdened for the welfare of these children; fearful they would die because of the water. The Lord told her, "Well Nancy, why don't you do something about it? Build them a well!" Of course, she must have wondered how a woman who could not get out of bed could possibly build a well in another country! As she shared her dream with others, the project quickly came together. With the help of the Rotary Clubs of South Carolina, where her daughter and son-in-law are Rotarians, and the generous contributions of her family and friends over recent months, a new water system is being built for the village of La Vegona in Honduras, that will sustain the growth of the village for the next forty years, and will save the lives of children who previously had faced a 40% mortality rate due to water borne illnesses. The project is already close to halfway completed, but still needs additional funding to meet its budgeted goal. Friends, who would like to contribute in her memory in lieu of flowers, may still make contributions to help the completion of the water project. Checks can be made to: Fort Mill Rotary Club Foundation, Care Of: Dee Wood Kivett, 15 West Cranberry Lane, Greenville, SC 29615, or may bring contribution to the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 10:00 am at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Stuart with Pastor Mark Clayton officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the Nettle Ridge United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 2:00pm until 5:00pm at the Chapel. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
Nancy was, is, and always will be an inspiration, not only for her kindness and generosity to others, but for her constant pursuit for learning, making the world a better place, and for her tireless, positive attitude and humble, strong faith in God.

Visitation Sunday October 2 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Funeral Monday October 3 10:00 AM