Jerlene (Meador) Wood

Jerlene Wood left this world on April 18, 2025, at the age of 84, in Palestine, Texas, after a life demonstrated by kindness and love for others. She was born on February 10, 1941, in the Caledonia Community in Rusk County, Texas, to parents Atticus John Meador and Velma Lorraine Crump Meador.  After graduating from high school in Houston, Texas, she furthered her education at Trinity Valley Community College, earning her associate's degree, which opened the doors to a fulfilling career.

For over 25 years, Ms. Wood dedicated her professional life to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.  She began in security and showcased her strength and compassion while serving as a case manager.  She ultimately finished her career as a supervisor in the count room.  Ms. Wood was a current member of Southside Baptist Church and her relationship with the Lord was a testimony to her deep faith. Baptized on April 21, 1959, she remained a devoted member throughout her life, raising her children in the church, teaching Sunday School, and living the teachings of her faith and sharing its blessings with others.  

Known lovingly as "MeMe" by her family and friends, Ms. Wood's nurturing nature extended to her beautiful flower garden, a testament to her green thumb. Her zest for life could also be seen in her love for shopping and her keen eye for antiques. Each piece in her collection told a story, a memory that she treasured and often shared with loved ones.

Her personality reflected the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  She gave of herself wholeheartedly, whether it was through her work, her involvement in her church, or the care she provided for her family and friends. Her legacy is one of selfless love and the deep impact she had on the lives of those she touched.

Ms. Wood's beautiful life and the memories she created will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her including her daughter, Donna Jones and husband Mark of Fairfield, Texas; son, Doyle Wood and wife Marnie of Palestine, Texas; grandchildren, Jacob Jones and wife Tracy, Aaron Jones, Sami Killion and husband Cody, and Ethan Wood.  She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren and numerous other family members and friends.  Ms. Wood is preceded in death by her parents, Atticus and Velma Meador.

Funeral services to honor the life of Jerlene Wood will be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning, on Tuesday, the 22nd day of April 2025 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Lynn Stroud officiating the service.  Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home. 

Interment will follow the service on Tuesday at two o’clock in the afternoon, at Cold Springs Cemetery in Garrison, Texas.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Gerald Crump, Terry Meador, Kyle Wood, Bobby Wilson, Cody Killion, Aaron Jones, and Jacob Jones.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed towards Cold Springs Cemetery, Po Box 726, Garrison, Texas 75946.

Funeral services for Jerlene Wood are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.

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