Wood, Virginia Maxine November 4, 1927 - June 27, 2021

Virginia “Maxine” Wood was born into a most loving and affectionate Christian home on November 4, 1927, in Gerster, MO, the fourth child of Walter Levi Foster and Nelle Jamison Higgins Foster. The Foster home, which eventually included six children, brought tremendous happiness to each. Indeed, countless times over the years that followed, the six shared stories of their near-perfect childhood . Maxine peacefully passed away at her home in Versailles, MO, on June 27, 2021, with her loving family at her side.

On May 18, 1946, at her parents’ home in Weaubleau, MO, Maxine was united in marriage to Jack Allen Wood, who predeceased her on March 24, 2005, after 58 years of marriage. In time, Maxine and Jack were blessed with three children: Ron and Jacquie born while the couple lived near Jack’s parents on the Wood family farm near Iconium, MO, just east of Osceola, followed by LeRoy born in Versailles, which the couple then called home for 17-1/2 years. In 1969, Maxine and Jack moved from Versailles back to Osceola, to the farm where Jack had been born. Following Jack’s death, Maxine returned to live in Versailles.

Maxine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and homemaker who unfailingly pleased family and guests with home-cooked meals, including what her grandchildren have proclaimed the best fried chicken ever . Maxine was also an avid reader for whom it was challenging to keep adequately supplied with books. Moreover, she was a dedicated Bible reader who taught Sunday School at Hopewell Baptist Church near Quincy, MO, and the First Baptist Church of Versailles for a total of more than 30 years. Together with Jack, she hosted many evangelists and missionaries over the years, frequently for weeks at a time. Along with her homemaking, reading, teaching, hosting, and culinary expertise, Maxine delighted in her many traveling adventures. In the 1950s and 1960s, she and Jack enjoyed many road trips with the children, memorably visiting several of the Western states. In later years, visits to her grandchildren in California and Hawaii were among the highlights of her journeys. In 2017, Maxine and her siblings traveled to Corpus Christi to visit their sister, where all six were reunited for the last time in an exceptional and unforgettable visit.

In addition to her husband and parents, Maxine was preceded in death by her brother Charles Foster; 2 brothers-in-law; 3 sisters-in-law; and daughter-in-law Violet Wood. She is survived by sons Ron (Karen) of Harrisonville, MO, and LeRoy of Versailles and daughter Jacquie (Wayne) Brewer of Versailles; 9 grandchildren: Tony (Missy) Stephens, Brent (Emily) Stephens, Lori Mott, Jodi Stephens, Greg (Sun) Wood, Derek (Annmarie) Wood, Lindsay (Scott) Moran, Craig (Lauren) Wood, Brad (Susan) Holland; 11 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren; her sisters Dorothy Pulliam and Betty Honey, and her brothers Robert (Irma Lee) Foster and Paul Foster and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

In Versailles, Osceola, and many, many posts elsewhere, friends and family will forever remember and share loving memories of our beloved Maxine. Maxine always had a smile on her face, invariably embellished by cheerful, encouraging words for friends and family alike. Maxine left this world a better place because of her sweet and gracious demeanor and the Christian love she shared so freely. Whenever her eyes met yours, you instantly knew you had a kind and dear friend. Hence, a beautiful, gentle light has left this world; however, it has passed into Another, where it has exceptionally and unforgettably been reunited with cherished others in that Place with no more tears.