Wilma Jean Gossett Wood

Wilma Jean Gossett Wood, age 78, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, in Ripley, MS, with her loving husband and family by her side. Born on December 20, 1946, in Ripley, MS, Wilma was the daughter of the late James Lawrence and Maybelle South Gossett. In 1963, she graduated from Pine Grove High School and soon after married her high school sweetheart, Larry Wood. Together, they shared 62 years of devoted marriage. They lived and raised their daughters in Booneville, MS, for 46 years before returning to Ripley and settling back into the home where Wilma spent her childhood. Throughout her life, Wilma wore many hats. She was a homemaker while raising her daughters and later became a licensed cosmetologist after attending Northeast Mississippi Community College. She spent several years as a devoted caregiver to her mother and to Clytee Wood. Wilma also worked in local factories and later at Northeast Mississippi Community College before retiring. Wilma was a longtime member of Chapman Church of Christ, where her faith remained a constant source of strength, love, and community. Wilma was an extraordinary cook and an avid gardener. She made homemade biscuits every morning, loved Sunday family dinners, and was famously known for sneaking cupcakes when no one was looking. Her yard was always filled with beautiful roses and vibrant flower gardens. She had a passion for collecting antiques and fine china and never passed up a good estate or yard sale. She was affectionately known as “Memaw” and “The Silver Fox” by her four grandchildren and great-grandson: Kylie Blackett of Mt. Juliet, TN; Logan Yancey (Karly) of Ripley, MS; Evan Yancey of Ripley, MS; Tristan Wood of Booneville, MS; and Oliver Blackett of Mt. Juliet, TN. She was also lovingly known as “Aunt Wilma” and “Wimmi” to her many nieces and nephews—titles she wore with pride and joy. Above all else, Wilma was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her husband, Larry Wood of Ripley, MS; her brother, Jackie Gossett (Sue) of Blue Mountain, MS; her sister, Nancy Copeland (Mike) of Walker, LA; and her daughters: Tonya Wood of Booneville, MS; Karen Yancey (Allen) of Ripley, MS; and Keshia Williams (James) of Memphis, TN. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, James Lawrence and Maybelle South Gossett. Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Tippah County Hospital and Enhabit Home Health & Hospice for the excellent care and love shown to Wilma over the last few years. You can watch the Service on YouTube @chapmanchurchofchrist8099

Wilma Jean Gossett Wood

December 20, 1946 - June 26, 2025