Verna Rae Wood Clifton

Verna Ethel Wood Clifton was born on June 28, 1927 to Thomas Bennie and Verna Eglantine Bodden, in George Town, Grand Cayman. She moved to her Heavenly home on March 28, 2014. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard "Olney" Wood, and they had three children Leonard, Tommy and Verna. She was also preceded in death by her second husband Charles "Charlie" Clifton, Sr. In addition, she was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Vallee and Clericy Bodden. She leaves behind her sons Leonard Victor Wood and his former wife, Trish; Thomas "Tommy" Evans Wood and wife, Ronda; and daughter Verna Wood Rutherford and her husband, Cal. Ethel is survived by grandson Michael Wood and great-granddaughter Jenna Wood, along with her grandmother, Donna Wood. She is also survived by grandson Jeff Rutherford and wife Maria, along with great-grandsons Tyler, Trenton and Trey; granddaughter Cyndi Rutherford Parks and husband, Roger, along with great grandchildren Sammie Godwin, Jonathan and Gracie Parks. She is also survived by her sister, Velona Woods of Groves, nephew John Woods and niece Sheila Woods and husband, Steve Sleeman, and their children Isaac and Caasi. Ethel's marriage to Charlie added a daughter and son, along with their children, with whom she shared many fond memories. Ethel lived life to the fullest surrounded by family members and friends. Strangers became friends to her almost as quickly as they met. The family is especially grateful to the special people who came into her life as caretakers during the past few years. Lettie Batiste, Mattie Warren and Willie Mae Lewis cared for her as if they were family. The staff of Harbor Hospice showed great compassion as they met her needs during the last two years. For that, we say "thanks" to "Peaches," Kirsten, Rosalyn and Pastor Randy, who shared last moments of Ethel's life with all our family. Ethel's is a member of St. Paul's UMC in Beaumont. She and Olney made Port Arthur their home because it was his primary port, as Chief Engineer for Texaco. Because of that connection, the Port and the Port Arthur International Seafarers' Center held a special place in her hearts. The family asks that those wishing to continue Ethel's legacy through memorial contributions to consider doing so to the Port Arthur International Seafarers Center or to her church. Visitation is scheduled for 5 8 p.m., Sunday, March 30 at Levingston's Funeral Home in Groves. Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Levingston's.