Our Loving Mother, Ronda Michelle Wood

Ronda Michelle Wood (Ronda Michelle Jalis) was born on July 21, 1941, in New York, NY, and passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on June 12, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, friends, neighbors, and caregivers at Troy Regional Medical Center.

At the age of one, Ronda moved with her family to the family farm in Canoe, Alabama, where she spent much of her childhood. She later graduated from Vigor High School with the Class of 1957 in Prichard, Alabama. While there, she became a devoted fan of Elvis Presley and often shared the story of attending a high school assembly where Elvis performed. According to Ronda, the principal stopped the performance because he disapproved of Elvis's energetic stage moves—a memory that always brought a smile to her face.

Following graduation, Ronda attended college at Montevallo before marrying and starting a family of her own in Prichard. She began a career with the State of Alabama, working for what was then known as the State Employment Service. She found great satisfaction in helping others secure employment and build better lives. She remained dedicated to that mission until her retirement, spending her final working years balancing her career with frequent trips to Canoe to care for her mother. A devoted mother, Ronda lovingly raised two sons and spent countless hours driving them—and many of their friends—to ballgames, parks, and beaches. She frequently volunteered at concession stands and community events in support of youth sports. To many, she was not only a mother to her own children but a mother figure to countless others.

After retiring, Ronda moved with her family to Daphne, Alabama. Later, she and her husband returned to the family farm in Canoe, where they helped manage the farm while caring for her aging father and beloved uncle. Following the death of her husband, Ronda moved to Troy, Alabama, to live with her youngest son and his family as declining health required daily assistance. Even then, her warmth and outgoing nature never faded. She quickly made new friends and embraced life with the same joy and grace that had always defined her.

Nothing brought Ronda more happiness than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved visits from family and friends, enjoyed playing the piano, and could often be found singing her favorite Christian hymns. One of Ronda's favorite sayings was, "Smile and let them wonder what you're smiling about." She lived those words every day. Her smile could light up any room, and even as she faced serious health challenges, she remained steadfast in her faith and true to her character. Through every hardship, she continued to smile.

Her caregivers, nurses, and physicians often competed for the opportunity to care for her because she had a remarkable gift for making people laugh, smile, and feel appreciated.  Ronda fought cancer with courage, dignity, and grace.  During her final moments, she was comforted by her son Vance and daughter-in-law Traci, who held her hands, prayed with her, and recited Psalm 23 and The Lord's Prayer as she peacefully went home to be with the Lord.

Ronda was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Thelma Jalis, and her beloved husband of 59 years, Ernest Owen Wood, Sr. She is survived by her sons, Vance (Traci) Wood and Ernie (Regina) Wood; her adoring grandchildren, Rachel (Lee) Bush, Michael (Brantley) Wood, and McKinley "Mac" Wood; her precious great-grandchildren, Faryn Bush and Eli Wood; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and dear friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Troy Regional Medical Center, Pike Internal Medicine, and Enhabit Home Health for the compassionate care they provided. We also thank our church families at Canoe Methodist Church and Troy First Methodist Church, as well as our neighbors in China Grove. Your love, support, and friendship during Mom's final years can never be fully repaid. She loved each of you dearly.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother Steve Winton officiating.  Interment will follow at Canoe Methodist Cemetery in Robinsonville, AL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until  service time at  2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, 1322 South Main Street, Atmore, Alabama.

Pallbearers will be Lee Bush, Tommy Young, Blake Young, Dennis Stanton, Thomas Guy, and Chris Black. Honorary pallbearers are Kelby Amos, David Amos, Joe Anderson, Drew Brooks, Jessie Richardson, Brian Wood, Bubba Wood, and Charles Agee.

Following the service, the procession will travel to Canoe Methodist    Cemetery in Robinsonville, passing by the family farm. A brief graveside service will be held, after which family and friends are invited to gather at Canoe Methodist Church, 120 South Canoe Road, Atmore, Alabama, for a time of fellowship, food, and shared memories. For those unfamiliar with the area, please note that the church and cemetery are located approximately ten minutes apart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ronda's honor to Children's of Alabama or the American Cancer Society.

Ronda loved deeply and unconditionally. Her greatest wish would be for those who knew and loved her to follow her example of kindness, compassion, and faith. She would remind us all to smile—even when life gives us little reason to do so—and to be grateful for another day, another breath, and another opportunity to brighten someone else's life.

"Smile and let them wonder what you're smiling about."

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.