Ms. Sylvia Inez Wood

Sylvia Inez Wood was born on November 1, 1939, in Washington, D.C. to Hardy and Hattie Ford. Sylvia was 7th of 12 siblings, (William Ford, Milton Ford, Lorenzo Ford, Lorraine Booker John Ford, and Ronald Ford - deceased) Mary Ford, Delores Ford, Fred Ford, Maureen Jenkins and Donald Ford. In her early years she enjoyed fishing and gardening with her dad and helping her mom cook. She graduated from Dunbar HS in 1958, where she was on the basketball team. Sylvia was born a natural redhead, and her fiery, exuberant personality was always prevalent. She was warmhearted, loyal and honest to a fault. If you do not want the truth, do not ask her. She married Norman Wood in 1971 and remained married until his passing in 2002. Even though Norman was Catholic and Sylvia was Baptist, God was ever present in the household. They shared a love for each other and enjoyed entertaining, traveling and attending concerts. They also, played on the Government Printing office unisex softball team. One of Sylvia's favorite pastimes were listening to gospel and golden oldies music and eating crabs. Especially when she could do them all at the same time. Sylvia was a phenomenal cook and really enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. We will miss her Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas Brunch. One of her specialties everyone looked forward to was having a slice of her delicious pound cake and homemade rolls. She worked numerous jobs in the government and the private sector but decided to retire in 1986 to provide stable and loving care for her grandchildren. She will tell you that nobody could have done that but me and that turned out to be her most rewarding life experience that continued for the rest of her life. She also became a certified Notary and a Conflict Resolution Specialist. To say she loved her family was an understatement. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were especially near and dear to her heart. When the phrase "Ride or Die" was coined, it described her perfectly. Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Wood, and two sons, Anthony and Mark Wood. Surviving to cherish her loving memory are her children, LaGretta Bowser, Raymond Powell, Carlos Powell, stepsons, Norman Wood and Leslie Wood; grandchildren, Rayshawnna Wade, Brandon Bowser, Ta'Shawnda Wood, Markus Horton, Katie Blackwell, Markita Murphy and Armoni Wood; 12 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Honorable mention to self-adopted daughters Shelisa Ashford and Helene Harris. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Ms. Sylvia Inez Wood

November 1, 1939 - September 20, 2024