Verna Rae Wood Clifton

1927 ∼ 2014

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.

Condolences

Levingston Funeral Home November 2, 2021
1 file added to the album Obituary Wall
Verna Ethel Wood Clifton August 4, 2020
Verna Rae Wood Clifton
Anonymous April 2, 2014
Thinking of you. Big hugs from Dallas. Sending peace and love your way. xo.
Anonymous March 31, 2014
Please accept my prayers and sincerest condolences..
Anonymous March 31, 2014
Muffet, Lenny & Tommy, I was so heartbroken to hear of sweet Ms. Ethel's passing. Growing up next door to each other, I remember all the afternoons spent on your front porch with her and Mr. Woody. What a great childhood we all had. Me and mom will be at the service since we did not get the news till Sunday evening. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anonymous March 31, 2014
Verna, John and I were so sorry to hear about your mom. She was special and one of a kind. We loved her. We pray that God will hold you close as you go through this loss. We hate that we can't be there for the funeral. We won't be home til Friday but will see you soon. Love you. John and Lynda Hammond
Anonymous March 31, 2014
Our condolences on your loss, Verna & Cal. We feel blessed to have known and loved Ethel the last several years, and feel her love in return. She was a very strong and straightforward woman, who will be sorely missed by many.
Anonymous March 31, 2014
Dear Verna, I am so sorry to read of your mom's passing. I have such fond memories of being at your house during our junior high and high school years. I always thought your mom was so nice and so funny. I just loved to hear her talk. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Sincerely, Charlotte Jordan Donnaud
Anonymous March 30, 2014
To the family of Verna Clifton, I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that "Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34;18) With sympathy,
Anonymous March 30, 2014
Verna & Family: I am very sorry to learn of the loss of your Mom. I met your mom only once, yet I remember her friendly, outgoing personality. May God strengthen and heal you in the coming days. Love, Debbi
Anonymous March 30, 2014
May God bless you with sweet memories. We pray for God to comfort you in this loss. Blessings, Bill and Rhonda Richey
Anonymous March 30, 2014
My prayers are with all of you in this time of the loss of your dear Mother and sister.My deepest sympathy.
Anonymous March 30, 2014
We had many happy times/memories with her and her family when I was growing up. They were dear friends/ distant cousins to our parents (now also gone) Darley and Pearl Bodden who loved them greatly. May God comfort those who now mourn her passing. She was a dear, wonderful soul we were so blessed to know and love.
Anonymous March 29, 2014
Muffit, Lenny & Tommy, I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I cherish her memory & the time we all shared together in Pt Arthur as kids growing up. Please accept my heartfelt condolences & know I am with you in spirit.
Anonymous March 29, 2014
Verna, Cal and family, I am so sorry to hear about Ethel. I am lifting you all up in prayer. May your happy, fun, loving memories bring you great comfort during this sad time. She was such a wonderful, sweet lady. Love and prayers, Lori Humphrey and family
Anonymous March 29, 2014
Dearest Muffit, Lenny and Tommy, My sincere condolences to you all. Will hold my memories of her dear in my heart. God bless and comfort you. Love, Cathy (Bodden) Frazier (Dalkeith Bodden's daughter)
Anonymous March 29, 2014
Dear Muffett and family. I'm so sorry to hear of Ethel's passing. She was a wonderful lady, and I know how close she and my mom and dad were. I have many good memories of her growing up in Groves and visiting her house. Thinking of you all.
Anonymous March 29, 2014
My condolences to the family of Ethel. Sweet lady and always had funny stories.
Anonymous March 29, 2014
Dear Verna and family, I'm so sorry to hear about dear Ethel's passing, how we loved her so. She was so much a part of our family. My deepest sympathies to all of you, you are in our hearts and prayer.