Karen Chewning Wood Obituary (1953 - 2026)

Born Nov 12, 1953, Karen Chewning Wood attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Karen Chewning Wood.

Graduation Year	Class of 1972
Date of Birth	Nov 12, 1953
Date of Passing	Feb 07, 2026
About	Karen C. Wood, of Vinton, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, following a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Tommy Wood; her mother, Jean Chewning; father-in- law, Robert Wood and mother-in-law, Margaret Wood. In addition to her father, she is survived by her son, Allen Wood (Alisha); daughter, Ashley Williams (Kellen); her five grandchildren who were the loves of her life, Ethan Wood, Carson Wood, Gage Wilkinson, Nora Williams, and Kannon Williams; and brother, Billy Chewning (Donna). Karen had many dear family members and friends who will cherish her memory forever. Born and raised in Roanoke, VA, Karen was the daughter of Bill Chewning and the late Jean Chewning. She later married her high school sweetheart, Tommy, and together they were the proud owners of Wood's Service Centers, Inc. where she met many friends, both customers and employees, that she considered family. Their company will celebrate 70 years in business next year. Karen lit up every room she entered. Her smile was contagious and her biggest gift was making everyone feel loved. Karen loved visiting the beach with her family, visiting the mountains, shopping, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. Nothing mattered more to her than her grandchildren. She never missed a game, play, concert, or opportunity to be with them, even on her hardest days. She was always their biggest fan. To honor Karen's life, there will be a visitation on Thursday, February 12 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Oakey's Vinton Chapel. A service in her honor will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Vinton Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Travis Russell officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Karen's favorite charities: The St. Baldrick's Foundation for Children's Cancer Research (www.stbaldricks.org) or the Franklin County Humane Society (www.plannedpethoodrockymount.com/). The impact she left on this world lives in all who knew her. The family would like to thank Kiersten Gordan and the team with Good Samaritan Hospice for the support they provided, and we would also like to thank everyone who reached out with support and prayed for her comfort during this time.