Emogene Juanita (Ardis) Wood, 85, of Talladega, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026. Born, officially, July 15, 1941 at their home in Walnut Hill, Florida. There was no birth certificate filed until years later. Throughout her early years, there was some debate as to whether she was born before midnight (on the 15th) or after midnight (on the 16th). Emogene chose the earlier of the two dates and with the filing of her birth certificate that became the official “Date of Birth”. Emogene is preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, John Wood; Father, Archie Ardis, Mother, Emma (Presley/Ardis) Cole; siblings, Grady Ardis and Ruby (Ardis) Cooper. She is survived by two brothers: Hubert Ardis (wife Alice) and Jasper “Danny” Cole (wife Renee); her three children, Jimmy (wife Rita), Cindy, and Michael (wife Robin); her grandchildren: Rebekah (husband Mark) and Nathanael (wife Stephanie); and her nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am (Viewing at 10:00). Location: Usrey Funeral Home, 21271 US-231, Pell City, AL 35125. Internment: at Oak Hill Cemetery, Attalla, AL following the Funeral Service.

During Emogene’s early married life she influenced her children in the love of growing things; be it house plants, roses or a vegetable garden. She enjoyed many different crafts (i.e. Crocheting, Sewing, Ceramics, Scrapbooking, etc.) and Reading books (multiple genres). Once her children were older, Emogene transitioned from homemaker to outside employment. She took a job at a Chiropractors office as an aid and made many good friends. Later she acquired employment sewing for Vanity Fair. Emogene, along with her husband, joined close friends traveling and seeing unique places: including the Alamo, the Little Bighorn and enjoying a Lobster meal in Maine.

Emogene was a faithful member of a local church (Union Hill Baptist, West Pensacola Baptist and then Charity Baptist over a 20 year span). Upon moving to Alabama in the 1990’s she became a member of Faith Baptist Church, Pell City. This church was founded by her nephew David Wood and is now pastored by his son Daniel Wood. Brother David and Brother Daniel will be officiating the Funeral Service. Emogene has gone on to be with Christ Jesus and be reunited with loved ones who preceded her. She is not “lost” to her remaining family, she has simply gone on before and can be seen again by all who likewise are born into the family of God. It cannot be said any better than what the Apostle Paul wrote (Philippians 1:23) concerning the departure of a Christian to go and to be with Christ… it is “far better.”

Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home – Pell City is assisting the family.