Edith Woods, age 88, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Friday night, February 22, 2019, at Flora Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
She was born February 17, 1931, in Johnsonville, the daughter of Samuel Edgar and Martha (Long) Sampson Sr.
In her early life she worked for the International Shoe Company and at a cafe in Chicago that Edith maintained was owned by the notorious gangster Al Capone. She held jobs working in the cafeteria of several Flora Schools and at Clay County Hospital. She retired from working after spending 19 years at Sunbeam Plastics. Edith enjoyed sewing, being outdoors, and watching “Days of Our Lives.” She was ecstatic to have the opportunity to meet some of the cast of the soap opera when they visited Salem, Illinois. Edith always made certain that her family would get together every other Sunday and would plan a big meal. She loved being known as “Grandma” and seeing her grandkids and great-grandkids, and she will be remembered as a selfless lady with a marvelous sense of humor.
She is survived by her two sons: Meryl Woods Jr., and Rick Woods both of Flora; a son-in-law: Frank Hagen of Noble; 7 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son: Eddie Lee Woods; two daughters: Maureen B. Hagen and Debbie Ann Bunting; brothers: Delmer Sampson, Robert Sampson, Leo Sampson, Charles Sampson, and Edgar Sampson; sisters: Mary McClintock, Marie Cates, and Louise Ames; and an infant brother and sister.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with grandson Josh Woods officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the donor’s choice of local charity and will be accepted through the funeral home.