Mary Elizabeth Woody

Mary Elizabeth Caudill Woody, 82, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on August 12, 1943, Mary was the cherished daughter of Howard Clifton “Cliff” Caudill and Nettie Elizabeth Baber Caudill, both of whom preceded her in death.

Married on October 8, 1961, Mary and Bobby shared 48 blessed years together before he went to his heavenly home in 2009. She was a loving mother to her daughter, Dreama Ann Neece. She was deeply proud of her grandchildren, Eric Thompson, husband of Sarah Thompson of Roanoke, VA, and Shala King, wife of Johnathan King of Knoxville, TN. She also found great joy in her great grandchildren, Emma and Cora Thompson.

Through her son-in-law Jim Neece, grandchildren by love: Cody Neece, Porfirio Depaz, Alexis Delp and great grandchildren by love Ana Maria and James Depaz, Bryer and Addison Delp.

In the 1970s, Mary and her husband Bobby played a vital role in the community as founding members of the Bland County Rescue Squad, helping establish an essential service that saved countless lives over the years.

Mary was also well known and loved in Rocky Gap for her work as a self-educated small business owner. She operated “Mary’s Drive In” from 1968 to 1974, a place where locals gathered for good food and friendly conversation. She later opened “Woody’s”, a convenience store with a grill in Rocky Gap that became a beloved local landmark. Every morning, Mary would wake before sunrise to make homemade biscuits for the early rising workers in the area. At lunch time she made dozens of the “Super Deluxe” hamburgers. Everyone knew Mary, and she knew everyone. Her warm smile, home cooking, and welcoming spirit made Woody’s a place people loved to visit. Mary also had a deep love of horses, and she took great pride in supporting her granddaughter Shala as she showed horses. Watching Shala compete brought Mary tremendous joy, and she cherished every moment spent cheering her on.

Mary loved sports, especially Bluefield Beaver football. She traveled to hundreds of high school football games over the years to watch her grandson and nephews play. She was also an enthusiastic NASCAR fan and devoted supporter of Dale Earnhardt Sr.,

Mary was a member of the Eastern Star Women’s Club, where she formed lifelong friendships and dedicated herself to service, fellowship, and community support. In 2011, she was honored with the Masonic Community Builders Award, recognizing her years of dedication, kindness, and the positive impact she made.

Mary was a devoted Christian and lived her life with tremendous faith. She was a member of the Cumberland Road Church of God. Her trust in God guided her through every season of life, and she shared that faith openly.

She grew up in a large, close-knit family. Mary is preceded in death by her siblings John Daniel Caudill, husband of Dorothy of Bluefield, WV, and Edith Pierce, wife of Billie Pierce of Statesville, NC. Her nephew Ronnie Wayne Akers. Several beloved in laws including Watha Woody, Olden Woody, Sherman Woody, and Homer Mullins. She is survived by her sisters:

• Clara Ruth Akers, wife of the late Ronald Akers of Bluefield, WV
• Geneva Mae Looney, wife of Jr. Looney of Bland, WV
• Diana Kay Bowling, wife of the late Tim Bowling of Bluefield, WV
• Victoria Ann Carosi, wife of Mark Carosi of Bluefield, WV

She is also survived by her in-laws:

• Raymond Woody, husband of Nash Woody of Rocky Gap, VA
• Brenda Woody, widow of Watha Woody of Rocky Gap, VA
• Euva Woody, widow of Olden Woody of Rocky Gap, VA
• Phyllis Looney, widow of Homer Mullins of Rocky Gap, VA

She is also lovingly remembered by a large extended family of nieces and nephews, including:

• Jeffrey and Anita Dunnack
• Betina and Keith Boyd
• Dwight and Wilma Akers
• Brian and his fiancée Mary
• Samantha and Mike Ricker
• Jeremy Goodman
• Dan and Amy Caudill
• Kim and Eric Basham
• Heather and Bruce Schumann
• Thomas Seabolt
• Jason Seabolt
• Chris and Cristy Clemons
• Nicholas Clemons
• Andrea Huffman
• 
  

And a special great nephew:

• Ryan and McKenzie Davis

Mary was also dedicated to her beloved fur baby, her dog “Baby Girl”.

Pallbearers

• Chris Clemons
• Cody Neece
• Alexander Ricker
• Brian Akers
• Dwight Akers
• Jeffrey Dunnack
• Keith Boyd
• Ryan Davis
• Logan Boyd
• Eric Thompson

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the special caregivers from Covenant Health and Hospice, especially Julie Crum and Betty Jo, whose compassion and dedication brought comfort and peace during Mary’s final days.

A visitation for Mary will be held at Cumberland Road Church of God in Bluefield, WV on Sunday April 19, 2026, friends may call between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The service will start after the visitation at 2:00 PM with Rev. Travis Helmandollar officiating. Burial will take place Monday April 20th, 2026 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Bluewell, WV at 1:30 PM. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Woody family.