Fern Thigpen Wood

Fern Thigpen Wood, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2024 at the age of 94. Born in Waco, Texas on October 2, 1929 to John Emmett Thigpen Sr. and Mayme Claire Relf Thigpen, Fern’s life was filled with adventure, family, and boundless energy.

Fern graduated from Marlin High School and received her BBA from Baylor University in 1950. On June 14, 1952, Fern married Herschel Clifton Wood Sr. in Waco, Texas. Their marriage spanned an impressive 61 years, and together they raised a large, loving family who have enjoyed annual summer reunions since infancy. The family looks forward to joyfully continuing this tradition in their matriarch’s and patriarch’s honor. 

Fern lived a full life outside of her family, too. She was a talented painter, piano player, and athlete. Whether on the tennis court or the golf course, Fern’s competitive spirit was always evident (and as anyone who played a game of gin rummy or dominoes against her can attest, that spirit was perhaps, at times, in excess). She cultivated lifelong friendships as she hosted countless parties, took exotic vacations, and dined at every possible breakfast spot in Tulsa.

Fern leaves behind three children: Lia and her husband Doug, Clifton and his wife Kathy and Kara and her husband Rick. She was beloved by her ten grandchildren and their spouses: Tiffany (Jason), Ashley (Paul), Hunter (Maci), Austin (Brittany), Thomas (Victoria), Andrew (Courtney), Stuart (Allison), Courtney, Olivia, and Ali, and her five great-grandchildren: Juliana, Declan, Remington, Magnolia and Elijah.

A memorial service will be held at the Montereau Retirement Community Chapel on Saturday, August 24th, at 2:00 pm, where those who loved her will gather to celebrate her life.