Josephine L. Wood

Josephine L. Wood, 92, of Carlsbad, NM passed away peacefully at home surrounded

by her family on Thursday, April 21, 2022. Josephine was born June 2, 1929, in Carlsbad,

NM to Gilbert Groves and Mildred (Rupert) Groves.

In her more than 9 decades on this planet, Granny Jo was an avid collector. Keepsakes, treasures,

antiques, artifacts, and more - her optimism allowed her to see the value in everything. And her

faith in the Lord enabled her to see the value in everyone. That optimistic spirit shined brightest

in the relationships she cultivated. From church friends, to extended family, to mere

acquaintances - Josephine made a positive impact on every life she touched.

In 1947, she married the love of her life, William (Woody) Joseph Wood. They were married for

61 years before he passed away in April of 2008. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and

she was a homemaker who also poured a significant amount of her life into her church, Bethel

Baptist, where she served as treasurer. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the

United Stone and Allied Products Workers. Later in life, she would assist her eldest daughter

Carol at her business, Carol’s House of Flowers, as a designer and bookkeeper.

Josephine was a mother to four children who bore her 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren,

and 17 great-great-grandchildren (and counting). With a family the size of a small town, one

might expect people to grow apart as they venture off into the world, however one small home in

the heart of Carlsbad invariably served as the nucleus for so many loved ones when they needed

love, support, or just an interesting story - Granny’s house.

Josephine was preceded in death by her father, Gilbert Groves; mother, Mildred (Rupert) Cunningham; husband, William J. Wood, Sr.; three children: James Wood, Carol Doyle, and William Wood, Jr.; three grandchildren: William “Sonny” Wood, III, Shannon Wood, and Kimberly Wood; great grandson, JD Wood; and four brothers: Harrold Groves, Kenneth Groves, Don Groves, and Roger Groves.

Josephine is survived by her daughter, Loretta Wood of Carlsbad, NM; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation is scheduled from 4 PM - 7 PM, Sunday, April 24, 2022, at Denton-Wood

Funeral Home. A graveside service is scheduled for 2 PM, Monday, April 25, 2022, at

Carlsbad Cemetery with Pastor Josh Crabb officiating.

Pallbearers will be Robert Bell, Jason Bell, Zach Harper, Brandon Cantrell, David Taylor, Danny Taylor, and honorary pallbearer, Nathan Taylor. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com and please feel welcome to share your stories and memories of Josephine on the site.