Margaret Jennie Wood was born on February 10, 1923, in New Kent County, Virginia, and joined her heavenly father on April 7, 2022, at the age of 99 years, having lived a full and joyous life. She will be missed by family and friends both old and new.
Margaret was known throughout her life for her independent spirit and strong physical fortitude. Until the age of ninety-seven, she lived independently in her cozy condo where she continued to keep a beautiful garden and fill her home with the artful quilts she created. She purchased her last automobile at the age of ninety-four and proudly drove it daily, instilling fear in the hearts of friends and family.
Margaret attributed her unusually good health and stamina to her upbringing on the family farm. This beautiful farmland in New Kent County, Virginia had been in the family for generations and was said to be part of a land grant from the King of England that dated prior to independence from Great Britain. At an early age, she was expected to contribute to the running of the farm while simultaneously helping with care of her little brother and invalid grandmother. From her parents Thomas Moore Wood and Lila Dehart Wood, she learned the ways of rural life in Virginia, including vegetable gardening, and canning. She developed a love and affinity for animals which she passed on to her children. Margaret was always eager to share information about growing up on a Virginia farm with anyone that was interested. Later in life, she often reminded her nocturnal children that she was forced to rise before the sun to feed the animals and then walk miles to school often in snow or frigid weather.
Margaret, her parents, and siblings were all leading members of nearby Black Creek Baptist Church (https://www.blackcreek.org/history). The church, founded by family ancestors in 1777, is still active today. Religious life and church attendance was an important part of the culture and community life at that time in the rural area of New Kent County, Virginia. A strong and common religious faith bonded the community and generations were buried at the local church cemetery or on private family farms. The hired farmhands, often descendants of slaves, were buried in special sections near the landowners' family plots. Margaret often talked fondly about "Uncle James or Aunt Alice" and seemed to embrace them as family members.
As a child, Margaret was an excellent student and was proud to be offered a full tuition scholarship to college following her graduation from New Kent High School in 1940. Unfortunately, the strain of finances during the war made it impossible for her to accept it as there was no money for room and board. However, she was able to complete a two-year program at Smithdale-Massey Business School in Richmond, Virginia. She soon accepted a position at the U.S Patent Office which eventually relocated from Richmond back to Washington D.C.
While living in Richmond, she "picked up" a young Texan Seabee at a church social that quickly changed her life path. The smart and mischievous sailor, James Russell "Jack" Ainsworth. would become her husband after returning from war duty. Margaret and Jack were married March 26, 1948, in Houston, Texas, and soon became parents to Lila Sue and James Thomas. Jack found work in Houston, Texas, and Margaret set about making a lovely home for the family. She was an excellent cook and a fastidious housekeeper. She made personal sacrifices to provide both children with many educational opportunities and support their interest in music.
Eventually, Margaret found it necessary to return to work and began a lengthy career as a medical secretary for the VA Hospital in Houston. Margaret's work ethic, attention to detail and interest in the medical field itself contributed to her success in this position. However, it was her genuine concern for the patients that led to the personal fulfillment she seemed to derive from the work.
Margaret remained in Houston until after Jack's death in 1987 when she moved to Austin, TX, to be closer to her son. In Austin, at the age of seventy, Margaret began her quest to learn the art of quilting. She became an active member of the Dutch Doll Quilting Bee which provided a creative outlet and a wonderful circle of friends. As her eyesight and hearing began to fail, she was unable to continue her own quilting but enjoyed attendings meetings to socialize and see the projects of others. For over 20 years Margaret was fortunate to be a member of a Sunday School Class for widows at Great Hills Baptist Church which provided spiritual study and another source of lasting friendships.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Thomas Moore Wood and Lila Dehart Wood, her husband James Russell (Jack) Ainsworth, and her brothers George and Thomas Wood. She is survived by her daughter, Lila Ainsworth of New York and son, James Thomas Ainsworth of Austin. She is also survived by first cousin Jackie Preston Blair of Mechanicsville, VA and sister-in-law Ada Wood of Glen Allen, VA. Nieces include Donna Atkins of Wimberley, TX, and Karen Daugherty of Quapaw, OK. Great nieces include Lisa Sanderson, Provo, UT, Barbara Bradfield of Round Rock, TX and Debbie Liles of Brussels, Belgium. Nephews include Bruce Wood of Mechanicsville, VA and Lloyd Wood of Colonial Heights, VA. Great nephews are Jason Wood of Durham, NC and Zachary Wood Colonial Heights, VA as well as Christopher Bagalay of Houston, TX. Margaret's life spanned so many generations that her survivors expand to five great, great, great nieces, and nephews.
Cook-Walden Funeral Home
Margaret was known throughout her life for her independent spirit and strong physical fortitude. Until the age of ninety-seven, she lived independently in her cozy condo where she continued to keep a beautiful garden and fill her home with the artful quilts she created. She purchased her last automobile at the age of ninety-four and proudly drove it daily, instilling fear in the hearts of friends and family.
Margaret attributed her unusually good health and stamina to her upbringing on the family farm. This beautiful farmland in New Kent County, Virginia had been in the family for generations and was said to be part of a land grant from the King of England that dated prior to independence from Great Britain. At an early age, she was expected to contribute to the running of the farm while simultaneously helping with care of her little brother and invalid grandmother. From her parents Thomas Moore Wood and Lila Dehart Wood, she learned the ways of rural life in Virginia, including vegetable gardening, and canning. She developed a love and affinity for animals which she passed on to her children. Margaret was always eager to share information about growing up on a Virginia farm with anyone that was interested. Later in life, she often reminded her nocturnal children that she was forced to rise before the sun to feed the animals and then walk miles to school often in snow or frigid weather.
Margaret, her parents, and siblings were all leading members of nearby Black Creek Baptist Church (https://www.blackcreek.org/history). The church, founded by family ancestors in 1777, is still active today. Religious life and church attendance was an important part of the culture and community life at that time in the rural area of New Kent County, Virginia. A strong and common religious faith bonded the community and generations were buried at the local church cemetery or on private family farms. The hired farmhands, often descendants of slaves, were buried in special sections near the landowners' family plots. Margaret often talked fondly about "Uncle James or Aunt Alice" and seemed to embrace them as family members.
As a child, Margaret was an excellent student and was proud to be offered a full tuition scholarship to college following her graduation from New Kent High School in 1940. Unfortunately, the strain of finances during the war made it impossible for her to accept it as there was no money for room and board. However, she was able to complete a two-year program at Smithdale-Massey Business School in Richmond, Virginia. She soon accepted a position at the U.S Patent Office which eventually relocated from Richmond back to Washington D.C.
While living in Richmond, she "picked up" a young Texan Seabee at a church social that quickly changed her life path. The smart and mischievous sailor, James Russell "Jack" Ainsworth. would become her husband after returning from war duty. Margaret and Jack were married March 26, 1948, in Houston, Texas, and soon became parents to Lila Sue and James Thomas. Jack found work in Houston, Texas, and Margaret set about making a lovely home for the family. She was an excellent cook and a fastidious housekeeper. She made personal sacrifices to provide both children with many educational opportunities and support their interest in music.
Eventually, Margaret found it necessary to return to work and began a lengthy career as a medical secretary for the VA Hospital in Houston. Margaret's work ethic, attention to detail and interest in the medical field itself contributed to her success in this position. However, it was her genuine concern for the patients that led to the personal fulfillment she seemed to derive from the work.
Margaret remained in Houston until after Jack's death in 1987 when she moved to Austin, TX, to be closer to her son. In Austin, at the age of seventy, Margaret began her quest to learn the art of quilting. She became an active member of the Dutch Doll Quilting Bee which provided a creative outlet and a wonderful circle of friends. As her eyesight and hearing began to fail, she was unable to continue her own quilting but enjoyed attendings meetings to socialize and see the projects of others. For over 20 years Margaret was fortunate to be a member of a Sunday School Class for widows at Great Hills Baptist Church which provided spiritual study and another source of lasting friendships.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Thomas Moore Wood and Lila Dehart Wood, her husband James Russell (Jack) Ainsworth, and her brothers George and Thomas Wood. She is survived by her daughter, Lila Ainsworth of New York and son, James Thomas Ainsworth of Austin. She is also survived by first cousin Jackie Preston Blair of Mechanicsville, VA and sister-in-law Ada Wood of Glen Allen, VA. Nieces include Donna Atkins of Wimberley, TX, and Karen Daugherty of Quapaw, OK. Great nieces include Lisa Sanderson, Provo, UT, Barbara Bradfield of Round Rock, TX and Debbie Liles of Brussels, Belgium. Nephews include Bruce Wood of Mechanicsville, VA and Lloyd Wood of Colonial Heights, VA. Great nephews are Jason Wood of Durham, NC and Zachary Wood Colonial Heights, VA as well as Christopher Bagalay of Houston, TX. Margaret's life spanned so many generations that her survivors expand to five great, great, great nieces, and nephews.
Cook-Walden Funeral Home
Margaret Jennie Wood was born on February 10, 1923, in New Kent County, Virginia, and joined her heavenly father on April 7, 2022, at the age of 99 years, having lived a full and joyous life. She will be missed by family and friends both old and new.
Margaret was known throughout her life for her independent spirit and strong physical fortitude. Until the age of ninety-seven, she lived independently in her cozy condo where she continued to keep a beautiful garden and fill her home with the artful quilts she created. She purchased her last automobile at the age of ninety-four and proudly drove it daily, instilling fear in the hearts of friends and family.
Margaret attributed her unusually good health and stamina to her upbringing on the family farm. This beautiful farmland in New Kent County, Virginia had been in the family for generations and was said to be part of a land grant from the King of England that dated prior to independence from Great Britain. At an early age, she was expected to contribute to the running of the farm while simultaneously helping with care of her little brother and invalid grandmother. From her parents Thomas Moore Wood and Lila Dehart Wood, she learned the ways of rural life in Virginia, including vegetable gardening, and canning. She developed a love and affinity for animals which she passed on to her children. Margaret was always eager to share information about growing up on a Virginia farm with anyone that was interested. Later in life, she often reminded her nocturnal children that she was forced to rise before the sun to feed the animals and then walk miles to school often in snow or frigid weather.
Margaret, her parents, and siblings were all leading members of nearby Black Creek Baptist Church (https://www.blackcreek.org/history). The church, founded by family ancestors in 1777, is still active today. Religious life and church attendance was an important part of the culture and community life at that time in the rural area of New Kent County, Virginia. A strong and common religious faith bonded the community and generations were buried at the local church cemetery or on private family farms. The hired farmhands, often descendants of slaves, were buried in special sections near the landowners' family plots. Margaret often talked fondly about "Uncle James or Aunt Alice" and seemed to embrace them as family members.
As a child, Margaret was an excellent student and was proud to be offered a full tuition scholarship to college following her graduation from New Kent High School in 1940. Unfortunately, the strain of finances during the war made it impossible for her to accept it as there was no money for room and board. However, she was able to complete a two-year program at Smithdale-Massey Business School in Richmond, Virginia. She soon accepted a position at the U.S Patent Office which eventually relocated from Richmond back to Washington D.C.
While living in Richmond, she "picked up" a young Texan Seabee at a church social that quickly changed her life path. The smart and mischievous sailor, James Russell "Jack" Ainsworth. would become her husband after returning from war duty. Margaret and Jack were married March 26, 1948, in Houston, Texas, and soon became parents to Lila Sue and James Thomas. Jack found work in Houston, Texas, and Margaret set about making a lovely home for the family. She was an excellent cook and a fastidious housekeeper. She made personal sacrifices to provide both children with many educational opportunities and support their interest in music.
Eventually, Margaret found it necessary to return to work and began a lengthy career as a medical secretary for the VA Hospital in Houston. Margaret's work ethic, attention to detail and interest in the medical field itself contributed to her success in this position. However, it was her genuine concern for the patients that led to the personal fulfillment she seemed to derive from the work.
Margaret remained in Houston until after Jack's death in 1987 when she moved to Austin, TX, to be closer to her son. In Austin, at the age of seventy, Margaret began her quest to learn the art of quilting. She became an active member of the Dutch Doll Quilting Bee which provided a creative outlet and a wonderful circle of friends. As her eyesight and hearing began to fail, she was unable to continue her own quilting but enjoyed attendings meetings to socialize and see the projects of others. For over 20 years Margaret was fortunate to be a member of a Sunday School Class for widows at Great Hills Baptist Church which provided spiritual study and another source of lasting friendships.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Thomas Moore Wood and Lila Dehart Wood, her husband James Russell (Jack) Ainsworth, and her brothers George and Thomas Wood. She is survived by her daughter, Lila Ainsworth of New York and son, James Thomas Ainsworth of Austin. She is also survived by first cousin Jackie Preston Blair of Mechanicsville, VA and sister-in-law Ada Wood of Glen Allen, VA. Nieces include Donna Atkins of Wimberley, TX, and Karen Daugherty of Quapaw, OK. Great nieces include Lisa Sanderson, Provo, UT, Barbara Bradfield of Round Rock, TX and Debbie Liles of Brussels, Belgium. Nephews include Bruce Wood of Mechanicsville, VA and Lloyd Wood of Colonial Heights, VA. Great nephews are Jason Wood of Durham, NC and Zachary Wood Colonial Heights, VA as well as Christopher Bagalay of Houston, TX. Margaret's life spanned so many generations that her survivors expand to five great, great, great nieces, and nephews.
Cook-Walden Funeral Home
Margaret was known throughout her life for her independent spirit and strong physical fortitude. Until the age of ninety-seven, she lived independently in her cozy condo where she continued to keep a beautiful garden and fill her home with the artful quilts she created. She purchased her last automobile at the age of ninety-four and proudly drove it daily, instilling fear in the hearts of friends and family.
Margaret attributed her unusually good health and stamina to her upbringing on the family farm. This beautiful farmland in New Kent County, Virginia had been in the family for generations and was said to be part of a land grant from the King of England that dated prior to independence from Great Britain. At an early age, she was expected to contribute to the running of the farm while simultaneously helping with care of her little brother and invalid grandmother. From her parents Thomas Moore Wood and Lila Dehart Wood, she learned the ways of rural life in Virginia, including vegetable gardening, and canning. She developed a love and affinity for animals which she passed on to her children. Margaret was always eager to share information about growing up on a Virginia farm with anyone that was interested. Later in life, she often reminded her nocturnal children that she was forced to rise before the sun to feed the animals and then walk miles to school often in snow or frigid weather.
Margaret, her parents, and siblings were all leading members of nearby Black Creek Baptist Church (https://www.blackcreek.org/history). The church, founded by family ancestors in 1777, is still active today. Religious life and church attendance was an important part of the culture and community life at that time in the rural area of New Kent County, Virginia. A strong and common religious faith bonded the community and generations were buried at the local church cemetery or on private family farms. The hired farmhands, often descendants of slaves, were buried in special sections near the landowners' family plots. Margaret often talked fondly about "Uncle James or Aunt Alice" and seemed to embrace them as family members.
As a child, Margaret was an excellent student and was proud to be offered a full tuition scholarship to college following her graduation from New Kent High School in 1940. Unfortunately, the strain of finances during the war made it impossible for her to accept it as there was no money for room and board. However, she was able to complete a two-year program at Smithdale-Massey Business School in Richmond, Virginia. She soon accepted a position at the U.S Patent Office which eventually relocated from Richmond back to Washington D.C.
While living in Richmond, she "picked up" a young Texan Seabee at a church social that quickly changed her life path. The smart and mischievous sailor, James Russell "Jack" Ainsworth. would become her husband after returning from war duty. Margaret and Jack were married March 26, 1948, in Houston, Texas, and soon became parents to Lila Sue and James Thomas. Jack found work in Houston, Texas, and Margaret set about making a lovely home for the family. She was an excellent cook and a fastidious housekeeper. She made personal sacrifices to provide both children with many educational opportunities and support their interest in music.
Eventually, Margaret found it necessary to return to work and began a lengthy career as a medical secretary for the VA Hospital in Houston. Margaret's work ethic, attention to detail and interest in the medical field itself contributed to her success in this position. However, it was her genuine concern for the patients that led to the personal fulfillment she seemed to derive from the work.
Margaret remained in Houston until after Jack's death in 1987 when she moved to Austin, TX, to be closer to her son. In Austin, at the age of seventy, Margaret began her quest to learn the art of quilting. She became an active member of the Dutch Doll Quilting Bee which provided a creative outlet and a wonderful circle of friends. As her eyesight and hearing began to fail, she was unable to continue her own quilting but enjoyed attendings meetings to socialize and see the projects of others. For over 20 years Margaret was fortunate to be a member of a Sunday School Class for widows at Great Hills Baptist Church which provided spiritual study and another source of lasting friendships.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Thomas Moore Wood and Lila Dehart Wood, her husband James Russell (Jack) Ainsworth, and her brothers George and Thomas Wood. She is survived by her daughter, Lila Ainsworth of New York and son, James Thomas Ainsworth of Austin. She is also survived by first cousin Jackie Preston Blair of Mechanicsville, VA and sister-in-law Ada Wood of Glen Allen, VA. Nieces include Donna Atkins of Wimberley, TX, and Karen Daugherty of Quapaw, OK. Great nieces include Lisa Sanderson, Provo, UT, Barbara Bradfield of Round Rock, TX and Debbie Liles of Brussels, Belgium. Nephews include Bruce Wood of Mechanicsville, VA and Lloyd Wood of Colonial Heights, VA. Great nephews are Jason Wood of Durham, NC and Zachary Wood Colonial Heights, VA as well as Christopher Bagalay of Houston, TX. Margaret's life spanned so many generations that her survivors expand to five great, great, great nieces, and nephews.
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