BIOGRAPHY

Lizzie Wood was born in Elkton, Virginia, USA, on 20 February 1905. She was the fourth of 10 children born to Hiram Chapman Wyant (1879–1973) and Cornelia Frances James (1878–1932). She had six sisters and three brothers. She also had two half-sisters from her father’s second marriage. The Wyant children had their share of daily chores—milking cows, feeding chickens and other livestock, cooking, and helping their parents with whatever tasks needed doing. Lizzie and her siblings walked two miles to school in Sugar Hollow, a one-room wooden building that served students from first through seventh grade. The Wyants were devoted Christians and regularly attended the nearby Brethren Church. Lizzie embraced her faith at the age of eleven and was baptized in the Moormans River. She has remained faithful to the Brethren tradition throughout her life.

On 29 November 1923, she married Rubin Lester Wood (1903–1967) in Moormans River. After a brief stay with Lizzie’s parents, the newlyweds settled in Waynesboro, where Rubin found work at the Basic Witz Furniture Factory and later at Crompton Textiles. He also maintained a farm. Together, they raised nine children: Wallace, born in 1924; Lottie in 1926; Thelma in 1929; Gracie in 1931; Hiram in 1933; Curtis in 1936; Betty in 1939; Boyd in 1941; and their youngest, Maynard, in 1946. All were born at home, with Lizzie’s sister serving as the midwife. In addition to managing the household, Lizzie worked alongside Rubin, performing farm tasks typically handled by men at the time.

After her husband’s passing in 1967, their youngest son, Maynard, purchased the family home and continued living there with his mother. Most of the children remained close, with many settling in the surrounding areas.

At the age of 109, it was reported that although she had slowed down somewhat, Wood remained active—rising each morning at 6:30 a.m. to prepare her own breakfast. She was still looking forward to planting her half-runner beans in the garden.

Lizzie Wood passed away in Fishersville, Virginia, on 3 June 2017, at the age of 112 years, 103 days. She was survived by eight of her children, 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 37 great-great-grandchildren and two great-great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

On 20 January 2017, following the passing of Meta Dishman, she became the oldest known living person in Virginia. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Ruth Blackman.

Wood’s age was verified by Stefan Maglov, Annie Helmkamp, Jimmy Lindberg, and Robert Young, and was validated by the GRG on 7 February 2017.

ATTRIBUTION

* Lizzie Gertrude Wyant Wood – FindAGrave

* “At 109, enjoying life” – The News Leader, 26 March 2014

* LIZZIE WOOD obituary – Gloucester Mathews Gazette-Journal

GALLERY