Merrel Callaway Johnson Wood, 68, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2022 after a long illness at her home in Greenwood, Mississippi.  Funeral services will be held Sunday, at 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood where she was a lifelong member. Interment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Andrew Chaney officiating.  Visitation will be in the church parlor from 1:30 p.m. until the funeral service.

Mrs. Wood was born in Greenwood to Merrel Parker 'Mackie' Johnson and Julian Ernest 'Jack' Johnson, Jr. on March 25, 1954.  She graduated from Pillow Academy with honors in 1972 and then attended the University of Mississippi where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority, graduating in 1976.

After graduating from Ole Miss, Merrel taught for several years in the Greenwood Public School System.  Like her grandmother, Martha Parker, she spent her entire life helping children.  She was a gifted teacher and privately tutored many students.  She also built and managed several businesses over the years.  With her keen sense of humor, Merrel was blessed with a bevy of loyal friends from childhood and throughout her life.

Merrel is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Allen Wood, III and her two daughters:  Martha Boswell Brock (Lucius) and Merrel Boswell Patridge (Bailey).  She leaves her precious grandchildren whom she loved dearly and brought her great joy: James Lucius Brock, Jr., George Forrester Brock, Anne Callaway Patridge, Price Forrester Patridge, and Walter Jewell Patridge. Mrs. Wood is also survived by two brothers: Julian Ernest 'Jack' Johnson, III and Henry Parker Johnson (Judy).  She leaves a niece and two nephews: Mary Lindsey Johnson Smith, Dr. Henry Parker Johnson, Jr., and Albert Morris Austin, V.  The family is also very grateful to a very special angel, caregiver, and friend: Ionie Dixon.

Pallbearers will be Taylor Wood, Bailey Patridge, Lucius Brock, Mcleod Meek, David Hicks, and Duncan Fraiser.  Honorary pallbearers will be Rainer Twiford, Henry Johnson, Ken Kleinschmidt, Charles Kleinschmidt, Harris Powers III, Wood Dale, and Lee Cole.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood, Leflore County Humane Shelter, or the charity of the donor's choice.

Wilson & Knight Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.