Rena Mae Woody

Rena Mae Woody of Springtown, Texas peacefully passed away in her sleep on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at the age of 101. Born with a spirit for adventure and a passion for learning, Rena Mae's life was a testament to resilience, love and curiosity. 

Visitation:  6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at White’s Funeral Home, 130 Houston Ave., Weatherford.

Funeral Service:  11 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Springtown, 500 N. Main St., Springtown.

Interment:  Veal Station Cemetery.

When in 7th grade, at a church social, destiny brought her together with Scott Woody. She knew Scott was the love of her life as they strolled around the church building on a “walkabout.” Their love blossomed and grew into a marriage that spanned 74 years. They were lifelong members of Springtown First Baptist Church. 

Rena Mae poured her heart into her family, cherishing her four children, Kenneth Scott, Dwayne Edward, Frank Ellis, and Sally Elizabeth. She instilled in them the values of love, kindness, and the importance of education. 

With the help of her mother, Rena Mae balanced raising her children and satisfying her thirst for knowledge by pursuing higher education. After graduating from Weatherford College, she earned her Bachelor's degree from Texas Woman’s University in Denton in 1960. Her passion for history led her to a career as a dedicated educator, where she shared her love for learning with generations of students teaching Texas History at Weatherford Middle School. Never one to remain stagnant, Rena Mae furthered her education, obtaining a Master's degree in Library Science from North Texas State University. She then transitioned into the role of the librarian, which was an excellent extension of her love of books. Beyond retirement, she faithfully attended meetings with her teacher sorority, ADK for decades. Rena Mae’s influence through her roles in education was boundless, and she cherished the opportunity to inspire others.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Rena Mae had an adventurous spirit. She traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and particularly enjoyed Alaska. Her wanderlust took her to all continents except, Antarctica. Her life was enriched through the diverse cultures and lands she experienced and explored and she was known for collecting unique keepsakes from her travels which became conversation pieces in her home.

Her greatest joy came from her role as “Mimi” to five generations of family. She delighted in supporting her loved ones in their endeavors, often traversing great distances to cheer them on with boundless enthusiasm. If there was a sporting event, she was there. Band concert, she was there. Choir concerts, musicals, presentations, Grandparent’s day, birthday party…Mimi was there.

Rena Mae's warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support touched the lives of all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and a multitude of cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and yes, great-great-grands, and one triple great grandson, as well her many nephews, nieces, and friends throughout Parker County and beyond.

Rena Mae’s spirit of adventure and zest for fun lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her influence is evident in the lives of everyone who called her MImi and Aunt Rena.  As we celebrate her life today- a life well-lived - let’s honor her. Let’s embrace her love of family, her love of knowledge…and above all her love and trust in God.

Rena Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Scott; sons, Dwayne and Frank; daughter-in-law, Faye Daniels Woody; granddaughter, Lisa Ann Woody; father, William Franklin Stroud; mother, Bertha (née Chilcutt); brother, Reverend James Stroud; and sister-in-law Lois (née Neely).

Rena Mae is survived by her son, Kenneth of Weatherford and his children: Mary, Bob, Scott and Janet; Kenneth’s 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandson; her son, Dwayne’s children: Shannon, Sara, and Shyloh; Dwayne’s two grandchildren; her son Frank’s children: Amy, Jamie, Maegan, and Logan; Frank’s two grandchildren; her daughter, Sally of Weatherford, her child, Elizabeth and Sally’s three grandchildren.