Connie Jo Wood, 79, Sweetser, went to be with the Lord in her home at 5:50 p.m. on Thursday, October 4, 2018. Born in Marion on September 2, 1939, Connie was the daughter of the late Harvey Edward and Ruth Elizabeth (Woods) Haynes. She married her loving husband, Jack Wood, on June 9, 1963, and he survives.
Connie graduated from Swayzee High School in 1957. She continued her post-secondary education at Ball State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree, and then received her master’s degree from Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University), majoring in Art in Education.
She began her teaching career at Alexandria High School, where she taught for four years. She then transferred to Sweetser Elementary, serving as their librarian for two years. In 1977, Connie began teaching at Marion High School in the areas of English and Social Studies. She also served as Secretary of MTA and retired in 1997. Not one to just sit around after retirement, Connie was a substitute teacher at Oak Hill High School, filling this role up until her sickness. Connie loved all of her students and did an incredible job of changing and influencing countless childrens’ lives.
In addition to her educational achievements, Connie was actively involved with her church at Sunnycrest United Methodist, where she was a member of the church and of United Methodist Women. She held additional memberships with PEO and Eastern Star, and she was President of Exchange Club.
Beading was Connie’s favorite hobby, and she was a real sports enthusiast. She followed football, soccer, swimming, baseball, softball, and basketball, with the Purdue Boilermakers being her favorite team. Of all the titles Connie held in her life, the title of “G-Ma Wood” was the most special. Her grandchildren always held a special place in her heart, and she did anything for and with them.
Her memory will forever be cherished by her husband of 55 years, Jack; sons, Jack (Amy) Wood, II, Swayzee, and David (Cindy Cummings) Wood, Swayzee; grandchildren, Britleigh Wood, Andrew Wood, Sarah Wood, Elizabeth Wood, and Judy Wood; and two great-grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Rybolt Chapel, 314 N. Washington St., Swayzee, IN.
Services to celebrate Connie’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 12, 2018, at the funeral home. Pastor Mark Helm will be officiating with burial following at Marion National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Sunnycrest United Methodist Church, 1921 W. Bradford St., Marion, IN 46952.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.