Wood, Doretha (Age 60) of LaPlata, MD

Doretha was born on April 13, 1954 to the late Henrietta Pinckney and Jesse Strobhart of Ridgeland, South Carolina. Doretha was the fourth of eight children. Doretha received her formal education at Ridgeland High School where she was an outstanding athlete (premiere skills of college and WNBA play), as she could move the basketball up and down the court with great speed and agility. Upon graduation, she moved to New Jersey with some of her siblings. She attended Essex County; and worked at EmblemHealth (Formerly Group Health Inc.), in New York City for over 30 years as a Dental Claims Specialist.

In June 1984, she was joined in holy matrimony to her husband; Barry Wood and they resided in South Orange, New Jersey.

Doretha will be remembered for her quick wit, outspoken demeanor, and the tenaciousness that allowed her to achieve many diverse endeavors; she especially worked tirelessly to promote awareness of Aplastic Anemia during the time her youngest son suffered and later went into remission from the disease.

She was a member at the Morning Star Community Christian Center in Linden New Jersey under the Leadership of Dr. Therman E. Evans.

In 2004, Doretha & Barry, made a decision to relocate their family from South Orange, New Jersey to LaPlata, Maryland. She was employed by the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center as a Lead Customer Service Representative for patient access. She was a dedicated employee and performed her duties with compassion for both the patients and her fellow staff members.

On Tuesday, January 13th, after a short courageous battle with Cancer, a loving and compassionate friend named Jesus visited Doretha and summoned her to perfect peace.

She leaves to cherish her memories: a loving devoted husband, Barry; two sons, Brandon and Brent of La Plata; seven sisters, Ethel Ann, Parlin, NJ, Dianne Shuler (Constant) of Monmouth Junction, NJ, Earleen Cummings, Brooklyn NY, Margie Shuler (Charles) of Monroe Township, NJ, Eula Capers (Elder Paul) of Linden, NJ, Emma Simmons (Rev. Dr. Perry) of Newark, NJ, and Kathleen Pinckney of Parlin, NJ; two sisters in-law, Debra Wood (Mary Fluellen) of Bronxville NY and Patricia Doherty (Michael) of Highland, NY; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gerall and Carmen Wood of Brooklyn, NY, uncles, aunts and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In-laws, Gladys Wood -Wilkins & William Wilkins, preceded Doretha in death.

Doretha was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend who will be dearly missed by those who knew her best.

Her viewing will be held 4p.m. to 7p.m., Monday, January 19, 2015 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640 and from 10a.m. until time of service, 11a.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at New Life Church Chapel, 9690 Shepherds Creek Place, La Plata, MD 20646.