Betty C Wood

Betty Louise (Culwell) Wood, 88, of Stamford, Texas, passed away peacefully at her farm and went home to be with her Lord on November 12, 2026.

Born August 3, 1938, in Stamford, Texas, Betty was one of five daughters born to the late L.H. Culwell and Vivian (Raney) Culwell. She graduated from Anson High School in 1956 and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University in 1960. On January 8, 1961, Betty married Ernest Wood, and their union was blessed with two sons, Wendell and Allan.

Betty taught mathematics for many years at Noodle and Lueders-Avoca High Schools, but her talents and interests extended far beyond the classroom. She excelled as a mother, Gammaw, teacher, and friend. Her intelligence and sharp wit kept everyone on his or her toes, while her infectious smile and laughter could turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Her love of teaching extended beyond the classroom and into everyday life. She especially enjoyed teaching her granddaughter to sew and quilt. She also had a favorite saying she shared with her math students: “If you can’t do math, it’s because you don’t apply yourself.”

Although teaching was her profession, Betty had the heart of a farmer. From a young age, she learned to raise cattle and vegetables and drive a tractor, skills she continued to enjoy until recently. She had her own unique routines and preferences. Rather than starting her morning with coffee, she preferred a Coke. She loved reading, enjoyed playing the piano, and was always impeccably groomed and beautifully dressed.

Betty had a keen intuition about people and a special gift for nurturing those around her. She seemed to know just when someone needed a kind word or a gentle touch. She was often the first to lift someone's spirits by reminding them of their best qualities and helping them see the good in themselves.

Above all, Betty was a devoted Christian whose faith was central to her life. She cherished studying the Bible and teaching her Sunday school class. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Stamford and an active member of the church kitchen crew, lovingly helping prepare meals for various church functions.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, L.H. and Vivian Culwell; her husband of 43 years, Ernest Wood; and three sisters, Dorothea Taylor, Freda Lipsey, and Mary Sue Chandler.

She is survived by her two sons, Wendell Wood (Diane) of Holland, Texas, and Allan Wood (Beth) of Driftwood, Texas; her granddaughter, Brownlee Wood; her grandson, Calvin Wood; her sister, Jeanne Staley; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends. A special thank you to Martha and Sebastian Andrade for being a loving caregiver to Betty.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 23, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Tankersley Funeral Home, 807 Columbia Street, Stamford, Texas.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 214 N. Swenson, Stamford, Texas, with Pastor Stan Alcorn officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Creek Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.