Rebecca Colene Wood 05/11/1946-06/20/2025
In Loving Memory of Rebecca Colene Wood
May 11, 1946 – June 20, 2025
Rebecca Colene Wood, age 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025. Born on May 11, 1946, she was the beloved daughter of Reverend Cleo J. Kelley and Mary E. Goff Kelley.
Colene lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. A devoted member of First Apostolic Church of Maryville, Tennessee, she found joy and purpose in serving others wherever she went. She was a dedicated school teacher for 33 years and was loved by her students. Even after retirement, her passion for teaching endured—especially through her work with the Bible Quizzing team at Apostolic Christian Academy, where she helped young people memorize scripture.
After moving to Maryville, Colene experienced a beautiful full-circle moment when she reconnected with her childhood friend, Reatha Tharp. She also found a cherished new “second family” in Sheila and Stan Jeter, who became more than friends—they became caretakers and kindred spirits. At First Apostolic Church, Colene became a surrogate grandmother to many and was dearly loved by all, because she loved so well.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleo and Mary Kelley; brothers Manuel J. Kelley and Cleo Vernon Kelley; her husband Larry Gene Mount; her daughter Kelley LaGene Mount Atkins; and her husband Reverend Kenneth Wood.
She leaves behind a strong legacy through her surviving family: brothers Robert G. Kelley (Brenda) and Malcom E. Kelley (Angela); her granddaughter Amber Faith Shanahan (Gabe); numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She also leaves behind dear school friends Freda McCormick Maness and Imogene Dyer Cole, whom she treasured since her days at Scotts Hill High School.
A celebration of Colene’s life will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at First Apostolic Church of Maryville. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at noon, officiated by Senior Pastor Kenneth Carpenter. A service will also take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Pafford Funeral Home in Scotts Hill, Tennessee, with Pastor Keith Garner officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Center Hill Holiness Church.
Colene’s legacy continues to speak through the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
