Celebrating the life of
Barbara Ann Wood
January 13, 1930 - March 04, 2014
SAVANNAH – Barbara Ann Swindle Wood died March 4, 2014 at age 84. A daughter of the late Henry Alexander Swindle and his wife Ora Kathleen Knight Swindle, she was born at her home in Ray City, Georgia on January 13, 1930.
Barbara graduated from Valdosta High School and Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. She later graduated with a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Georgia Southern College.
She married James Arthur Wood, Sr. in 1952. In 1958 she and James returned to his hometown of Savannah. They had three children. Barbara Annette Wood died as an infant in 1964 and James Arthur Wood, Jr., "Art" died in 1965 at age eleven of brain cancer.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Sue Wood, "Kathi", her sister, Caroline Sue Swindle Monroe of Greenville, South Carolina, and her many beloved nieces and nephews.
Barbara began her teaching career in Forsyth, Georgia. She later taught in Savannah at Heard Elementary School and was a reading specialist for the Savannah/Chatham County Schools before becoming the principal of Windsor Forest Elementary School for thirteen years. She retired in 1987.
She served in many leadership positions throughout her lifetime. She was past president of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Sorority and while at Wesleyan College was president of the Student Government. As recorded in her college yearbook, the 1950 Veterropt, Barbara was described, "with eyes that show a clean soul, with beauty that leads a school, with unassuming poise and vitality, she was born to lead us, as unfinished masterpiece…Bobby."
Barbara was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother of three, friend to many and a teacher of thousands.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
An intimate graveside gathering for family and friends will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Greenwich Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 201 Television Circle, Savannah, GA 31406, the American Cancer Society, 6600 Abercorn St., Suite 206, Savannah, GA 31405, the March of Dimes, 836 East 65th St., Savannah, GA 31405, or a charity of your choice.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
sorry for your loss our prayers are with you
- rickey and karen miller, SAVANNAH, GA
Pat Sirmans Miller shared this with FB friends and I'm saddened to her of her passing. Our Swindle family was small but I have fond memories of her and her family. Please accept my sympathy and may time and sweet memories ease your grief. I will share this with my sister, Margaret Anne Swindle Shaw. Thinking of you and your family.
- Lynn Swindle Roberts, Sylvester, GA
Dear Kathi, I just found out about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a remarkable lady your mom was. I learned so much from her.. She was one of the most compassionate people I have ever known and I loved her dearly. She helped shape me as a teacher and a mom. She always gave me good advice about raising my own children and even helped me financially by encouraging me to save for retirement when I did not think I could afford it. She said 'You'll never miss it and you will be glad you did.' Of course, she was right. I have her picture that you sent last Christmas on my refrigerator and every time I look at it, I say 'Thank you, Mrs. Wood, for all you did for me.' I feel God blessed my life to be at her school and have my life touched by hers. Kathi, you cared for her so lovingly and I thank you for your letters and for the luncheon we had before I moved. She adored you and I will keep you in my prayers. My deepest sympathy and love, Nancy McCorkle
- Nancy McCorkle, Arden, NC
Kathi, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Mom was such a sweet lady and you are a reflection of her. Jack thought the world of all of you and I have come to see why that was.
- Nancy Wood, Forest, VA
Thinking of you at this very difficult time, Kathi. I loved Barbara and James so very much! I send you my deepest heart felt sympathies and all the love in the world to help you through. Wrapping my arms around you tightly! Your cousin, Jane
- Jane, Salt Lake City, UT
My deepest condolences to you. Many fond memories of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray you find peace and comfort.
- Sherri Denmark Schumacher, Savannah, GA
You are loved and prayed for daily.
- Kathy Berlin Wegmann, LaGrange, NC
Kathi: we'll always have the christmas times,easter times, and many more. I always hung on every one of Aunt Barbara's stories of school. I'll always love her!
- bud monroe, anderson, SC
Barbara, How blessed we are to have each other. I am so thankful for Mother and Daddy and all our family and friends and growing up in Ray City. We got to go away to college and had jobs that we enjoyed. We married the loves of our lives, James and Dave. We were blessed to have our precious children, Art, Annette, Kathi, Carol Ann, and Bud. Thank you Kathi for taking such wonderful care of Barbara. God is good. Love, Sister
- Carolyn Monroe, Greenville, SC
Aunt Barbara, I have so many memories of our times spent together during holidays as we rotated between Greenville, Ray City, and Savannah. Our families always loved being together, and we had some great times - Mother not having any heat one Christmas, my bicycle I got for Christmas that Daddy and Uncle James couldn't get the seat on. Well, maybe those two memories were not so good. I remember you, Mom, amd Mother in the kitchen always cooking. I'll always cherish those memories. Thank you for helping me get a teaching job when I moved down here and for you, Uncle James and Kathi being so good to me. I love you and I'll miss you. Until I see you again... Love, Carol Ann
- Carol Ann Self, Ellabell, GA
Kathi, Your mom taught me volumes about my profession, but more about friendship, compassion,understanding, and the absolute need for a sense of humor. On my desk stands a small picture of your mom surrounded by close friends. Her smile seems a little brighter now. God bless you as you go through this difficult time. Love and Prayers, Connie
- Connie Brown Rudd, , GA
Kathi, Your mother was my favorite teacher of all times. She instilled in her students a love of reading that extends, for me, until this day. She also helped her students build confidence, while remembering the things that are truly important in life. I will always remember her with love; she was an amazing lady. Jan Langston
- Jan Langston, Savannah, GA
I have very fond memories of growing up with Barbara in Ray City. She was a wonderful person.
- Margaret Sirmans Stalvey, Ray City, GA
With deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to swallow up death forever and to wipe away the tears from all faces.' Isaiah 25:8
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
In remembrance of one of the most wonderful women we have had the pleasure of knowing. We give all of our love and support to her family. Rest in peace, our dear Great Aunt Barbara
- Christian, Sarah and Emma Herlihy, Hopewell Jct, NY
Barbara brought her special light to all who knew her. I treasure my sweet memories of time spent with her and feel so very fortunate to have known her. Be at peace, Kathi, knowing that you were a major reason for that light.
- julia clary, savannah, GA
Kathi, I will always remember Barbara at Virginia Heard, always with a smile on her face, joking with everyone. She was a sweet lady and will be missed. Fay Zipperer
- fay zipperer, , GA
Kathi: I'm so very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I truly enjoyed her smile and greeting everytime I went to see John. You helped all of us so much in our transition with John. Our condolences. Ben & Kathy Zipperer
- Kathy Zipperer, Duluth, GA
Kathi: I'm so very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I truly enjoyed her smile and greeting everytime I went to see John. You helped all of us so much in our transition with John. Our condolences. Ben & Kathy Zipperer
- Kathy Zipperer, Duluth, GA
Mom and I are so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. Mom has such fond memories of her time spent with Barbara. Mom is unable to go to the visitation or the service but wanted you to know that our love and prayers are with you and your family.
- Jo Cheryl Haley and Jo McCall, Otto, NC
Dear Kathi, Allen and I were so sorry to read about your Mom's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Katherine & Allen Lynes, Savannah, GA
Kathi and Carolyn, Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Even though we will miss her, we know that Barbara is in a better place.
- Sandra Swindle Rollins, Panama City Beach, FL
Kathi, Your mother had a beautiful smile that would light up a room and a gracious manner that made me feel nurtured in her presence. She lived her life giving to others by sharing her love, talent, and laughter. I am blessed to have known her. SuBeth
- SuBeth Garland, Valdosta, GA
With love, much affection, and fond memories. May you rest in peace Aunt Barbara, in God's loving arms. You are for ever in my heart,
- Kacie herlihy, The Villages, FL
Dear Kathi, I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. She was a wonderful person loved by everyone. May God bless you with comfort and strength. Vickie Gaskins Gunn
- Vickie Gaskins Gunn, Milledgeville, GA
Lovely lady as she was taught to be by her mother and as she taught Kathi to be the same! We treasure our memories!
- Ronnie Gaskins, Tifton, GA
Lovely lady as she was taught to be by her mother and as she taught Kathi to be the same! We treasure our memories!
- Ronnie Gaskins, Tifton, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Barbara was truly a 'SOUTHERN LADY' and will be missed by all who knew her.
- FAITH & DERRELL DANFORTH, LENOX, GA
we will miss you very much and the stories you and my mother shared with us about Ray City. Love David ,Margie and Helen Clements
- david clements, ray city, GA
Kathi, I really enjoyed the days at school with Barbara at Ray City, such memories I shall never forget. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
- Edith Sirmans Mayo, Ray City, GA
Kathi, I was at Fox and Weeks online and saw your sweet Mama's picture....I am thinking of you with a heavy heart knowing how much you cared for her and how your love and devotion to her was evident to all. We loved being your neighbors at marsh view. I will keep you in my prayers as I know much you will miss her...Mayette Sims
- Mayette Sims, Savannah, GA
Ms. Barbara was one of the sweetest, most elegant and classiest ladies I have ever known. When I first met her, it was as if we were old friends reconnecting again. Prayers to uplift Ms. Kathi in this troubling time. We miss you and hope to see you here in Bonaire, GA.
- Steven Griffis, Bonaire, GA
sorry for your loss our prayers are with you
- rickey and karen miller, SAVANNAH, GA
Pat Sirmans Miller shared this with FB friends and I'm saddened to her of her passing. Our Swindle family was small but I have fond memories of her and her family. Please accept my sympathy and may time and sweet memories ease your grief. I will share this with my sister, Margaret Anne Swindle Shaw. Thinking of you and your family.
- Lynn Swindle Roberts, Sylvester, GA
Dear Kathi, I just found out about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a remarkable lady your mom was. I learned so much from her.. She was one of the most compassionate people I have ever known and I loved her dearly. She helped shape me as a teacher and a mom. She always gave me good advice about raising my own children and even helped me financially by encouraging me to save for retirement when I did not think I could afford it. She said 'You'll never miss it and you will be glad you did.' Of course, she was right. I have her picture that you sent last Christmas on my refrigerator and every time I look at it, I say 'Thank you, Mrs. Wood, for all you did for me.' I feel God blessed my life to be at her school and have my life touched by hers. Kathi, you cared for her so lovingly and I thank you for your letters and for the luncheon we had before I moved. She adored you and I will keep you in my prayers. My deepest sympathy and love, Nancy McCorkle
- Nancy McCorkle, Arden, NC
Kathi, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Mom was such a sweet lady and you are a reflection of her. Jack thought the world of all of you and I have come to see why that was.
- Nancy Wood, Forest, VA
Thinking of you at this very difficult time, Kathi. I loved Barbara and James so very much! I send you my deepest heart felt sympathies and all the love in the world to help you through. Wrapping my arms around you tightly! Your cousin, Jane
- Jane, Salt Lake City, UT
My deepest condolences to you. Many fond memories of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray you find peace and comfort.
- Sherri Denmark Schumacher, Savannah, GA
You are loved and prayed for daily.
- Kathy Berlin Wegmann, LaGrange, NC
Kathi: we'll always have the christmas times,easter times, and many more. I always hung on every one of Aunt Barbara's stories of school. I'll always love her!
- bud monroe, anderson, SC
Barbara, How blessed we are to have each other. I am so thankful for Mother and Daddy and all our family and friends and growing up in Ray City. We got to go away to college and had jobs that we enjoyed. We married the loves of our lives, James and Dave. We were blessed to have our precious children, Art, Annette, Kathi, Carol Ann, and Bud. Thank you Kathi for taking such wonderful care of Barbara. God is good. Love, Sister
- Carolyn Monroe, Greenville, SC
Aunt Barbara, I have so many memories of our times spent together during holidays as we rotated between Greenville, Ray City, and Savannah. Our families always loved being together, and we had some great times - Mother not having any heat one Christmas, my bicycle I got for Christmas that Daddy and Uncle James couldn't get the seat on. Well, maybe those two memories were not so good. I remember you, Mom, amd Mother in the kitchen always cooking. I'll always cherish those memories. Thank you for helping me get a teaching job when I moved down here and for you, Uncle James and Kathi being so good to me. I love you and I'll miss you. Until I see you again... Love, Carol Ann
- Carol Ann Self, Ellabell, GA
Kathi, Your mom taught me volumes about my profession, but more about friendship, compassion,understanding, and the absolute need for a sense of humor. On my desk stands a small picture of your mom surrounded by close friends. Her smile seems a little brighter now. God bless you as you go through this difficult time. Love and Prayers, Connie
- Connie Brown Rudd, , GA
Kathi, Your mother was my favorite teacher of all times. She instilled in her students a love of reading that extends, for me, until this day. She also helped her students build confidence, while remembering the things that are truly important in life. I will always remember her with love; she was an amazing lady. Jan Langston
- Jan Langston, Savannah, GA
I have very fond memories of growing up with Barbara in Ray City. She was a wonderful person.
- Margaret Sirmans Stalvey, Ray City, GA
With deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to swallow up death forever and to wipe away the tears from all faces.' Isaiah 25:8
- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA
In remembrance of one of the most wonderful women we have had the pleasure of knowing. We give all of our love and support to her family. Rest in peace, our dear Great Aunt Barbara
- Christian, Sarah and Emma Herlihy, Hopewell Jct, NY
Barbara brought her special light to all who knew her. I treasure my sweet memories of time spent with her and feel so very fortunate to have known her. Be at peace, Kathi, knowing that you were a major reason for that light.
- julia clary, savannah, GA
Kathi, I will always remember Barbara at Virginia Heard, always with a smile on her face, joking with everyone. She was a sweet lady and will be missed. Fay Zipperer
- fay zipperer, , GA
Kathi: I'm so very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I truly enjoyed her smile and greeting everytime I went to see John. You helped all of us so much in our transition with John. Our condolences. Ben & Kathy Zipperer
- Kathy Zipperer, Duluth, GA
Kathi: I'm so very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I truly enjoyed her smile and greeting everytime I went to see John. You helped all of us so much in our transition with John. Our condolences. Ben & Kathy Zipperer
- Kathy Zipperer, Duluth, GA
Mom and I are so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. Mom has such fond memories of her time spent with Barbara. Mom is unable to go to the visitation or the service but wanted you to know that our love and prayers are with you and your family.
- Jo Cheryl Haley and Jo McCall, Otto, NC
Dear Kathi, Allen and I were so sorry to read about your Mom's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Katherine & Allen Lynes, Savannah, GA
Kathi and Carolyn, Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Even though we will miss her, we know that Barbara is in a better place.
- Sandra Swindle Rollins, Panama City Beach, FL
Kathi, Your mother had a beautiful smile that would light up a room and a gracious manner that made me feel nurtured in her presence. She lived her life giving to others by sharing her love, talent, and laughter. I am blessed to have known her. SuBeth
- SuBeth Garland, Valdosta, GA
With love, much affection, and fond memories. May you rest in peace Aunt Barbara, in God's loving arms. You are for ever in my heart,
- Kacie herlihy, The Villages, FL
Dear Kathi, I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. She was a wonderful person loved by everyone. May God bless you with comfort and strength. Vickie Gaskins Gunn
- Vickie Gaskins Gunn, Milledgeville, GA
Lovely lady as she was taught to be by her mother and as she taught Kathi to be the same! We treasure our memories!
- Ronnie Gaskins, Tifton, GA
Lovely lady as she was taught to be by her mother and as she taught Kathi to be the same! We treasure our memories!
- Ronnie Gaskins, Tifton, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Barbara was truly a 'SOUTHERN LADY' and will be missed by all who knew her.
- FAITH & DERRELL DANFORTH, LENOX, GA
we will miss you very much and the stories you and my mother shared with us about Ray City. Love David ,Margie and Helen Clements
- david clements, ray city, GA
Kathi, I really enjoyed the days at school with Barbara at Ray City, such memories I shall never forget. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
- Edith Sirmans Mayo, Ray City, GA
Kathi, I was at Fox and Weeks online and saw your sweet Mama's picture....I am thinking of you with a heavy heart knowing how much you cared for her and how your love and devotion to her was evident to all. We loved being your neighbors at marsh view. I will keep you in my prayers as I know much you will miss her...Mayette Sims
- Mayette Sims, Savannah, GA
Ms. Barbara was one of the sweetest, most elegant and classiest ladies I have ever known. When I first met her, it was as if we were old friends reconnecting again. Prayers to uplift Ms. Kathi in this troubling time. We miss you and hope to see you here in Bonaire, GA.
- Steven Griffis, Bonaire, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
