Lola Reese Wood was born on May 5,
1917 in Kenbridge, Virginia. She was the sixth of the 13 children born
to John and Blanche Reese. She relocated with her family to New Jersey
at an early age.
Lola was educated in the Bloomfield and Montclair public school systems. She and her late husband, Edwin M. Wood, Sr. were childhood friends. They were married on October 29, 1935 and from this union were born five sons. Edwin, a native of Blackstone, Virginia, moved to Bloomfield in 1927. He was a member of Union Baptist Church until he relocated to Montclair, where he joined the St. Paul Baptist Church. As a member at St. Paul, Edwin sang in the Senior Choir for 25 years. In 1963, Edwin was ordained as a Deacon, a capacity in which he served until his death. In addition to his church activities, Edwin was involved in many civic organizations, including the Montclair Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA, and the South End Business Association. He was also a life time member of the NAACP and he served as a County Committeeman for the Town of Montclair.
She was a dedicated home-maker who loved to spend her time preparing delectable meals for her family. In 1958, she turned her expertise into a successful business. With her husband, Edwin, they co-founded the Edwin Wood & Sons Catering Service and Wood's Dairyland, Inc., servicing weddings, banquets, home and corporate parties. She worked diligently in what she called "Lola's Kitchen," preparing for each event as if it was a home cooked meal.
Lola joined St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair at an early age. She remained a faithful member until her death. She was active in many ministries, but her first love was singing in the Senior Choir- which she did for more than 40 years. She also taught Sunday School and eventually became Secretary and then President. In 1960, she was called to serve as a Deaconess, a leadership role she upheld until her health began to fail.
She passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2002. Her quiet demeanor and gentle, loving spirit were an inspiration to all that knew her.
Lola was predeceased by her husband, Edwin Wood, Sr. in 1976. She is survived by her sons: Edwin, Jr., John, William, Lawrence, and Charles; four daughters-in-law: Sheila, Diane, Lee and Donna; 11 grandchildren: Randall and Kimberly Wood, Michele Page, Lori Montague, Jodi Young, Lyndsey and Ashlee Wood, William "Ricky", Robert, and Rhonda Ricks, and Lawrence Wood, Jr.; and 21 great-grandchildren.
