Rose “Elizabeth” Wood died Friday, April 27, 2012. She was 56.

Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends whom she had touched throughout her life of service to her faith and family.

Though Elizabeth’s life was shortened by her illness, those who were touched by her understood that the quality of her life far exceeded the quantity of time in which she lived.

Although she struggled with illness for many years, she gave us all courage and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life. She lived a very full life and often thrived in spite of her illness. Her laughter was shared with many good friends and family. She loved taking care of people. Even in her last days she shared this laughter and zest for life and would think of ways to comfort and attend to those that she held close.

She was born Oct. 13, 1955, to Glynn and Mary Brite in Alexandria, La. She spent most of her childhood in Jackson, Miss., with her parents and three siblings. She graduated from Byram High School.

On Aug. 13, 1974, she married Frank Wood and moved to Vicksburg with him. She was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was never more proud than when talking about her grandchildren and family members. She made many wonderful and longtime friends in Vicksburg.

She was dedicated to the churches she attended, especially to the children of the church. She was a creative soul, always contributing crafts and creative ideas to the organizations and people that filled her life. She never met a stranger and would often talk to new people and make friends in the school where she volunteered, in local stores or anywhere she went.

She often enjoyed traveling with her husband and family to Pensacola Beach and cruising to many exotic places. She relished the adventures they would have while on these vacations.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her father, Glynn Brite; her sister, Patricia Pyron; and niece, Rose Marie Brite.

She is survived by her husband, Frank Wood; her sons, Eric Daniel Wood and Timothy Glynn Wood, Trista Wood and Robert Saulters; her grandchildren, Jalynn Marie Wood, Savannah Rose Wood and Timothy Glynn “TJ” Wood; her mother, Mary Brite; her sister, Leslie Blakeney, Leslie’s husband Rick Blakeney; her brother, Glynn Daniel Brite Jr., Glynn’s wife, Audrey Brite; nieces, Ashley Kazery, Kristina Pyron and Crystal Brite; nephews, Christopher Pyron, Matthew Brite, Charles Wood and David Paul Wood; several great-nieces and great-nephews; many cousins and dear friends.

Her family would like to thank Robin Rees, who as a nurse attended to her needs for over a year in her home.

A service in celebration of her life was held at 10:30 a.m. today, May 1, 2012, at Southside Baptist Church in Vicksburg.

Flowers or live plants may be sent to Southside Baptist Church. Donations may be made to organizations that support the children in Mexico.