Mary W. Wood

Mary W. Wood passed away on February 20, 2016 in Richland, WA.  She was born on June 16, 1925 in Hot Springs, AR to Joe and Edna Watkins.  She spent her early years in Bastrop, LA, graduating in 1943 and was hired to work at the local Morehouse Enterprise newspaper training as a linotype operator while she attended a local business school.  She moved with her family to Richland, WA in 1945 and was employed by Atomic Energy Commission for six years.  There is where she met her husband, Kenneth Sebade.  They were married in 1948 and to this marriage two children were born.  Mary was a very family-oriented mother, wife, daughter, and sister.

After staying at home for 16 years to raise her children and being very active in her church and school activities, she returned to work at The Richland Clinic for nine years.  After losing her husband Kenneth in 1975, she married Thomas Wood in 1980.  She worked for Environmental Health Foundation until her retirement in 1988.

She is survived by her son Gary Sebade and daughter-in-law Marikay (West Richland, WA); daughter Roxanne Alkire and son-in-law Richard (Renton, WA)  and her very special grandchildren Kendra Alkire (Kirkland, WA), twin grandsons Trevor Alkire (Seattle, WA),  and Ryan Alkire (Japan).  Also a loving sister and best friend Bettye Smith, and sister-in-laws Irma Betts and Fern Watkins, four nieces Kathleen Smith, Karen Ashley, Cynthia Purinton, and Janice McCullough; and four nephews Douglas Smith, Scott and Bruce Watkins, and Steven Betts. 

She was preceded in death by husbands, her parents Joe and Edna Watkins, brothers Billy and Joe Watkins, brother-in-laws John Smith and Gene Betts, and nephew Todd Watkins.

At Mary’s request, a small family graveside service was held on February 28^th.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the organization of your choice.