Vanita Mathis 'Van' Wood

Vanita “Van” Mathis Wood, 94, of Columbus, Ohio died peacefully, Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at her daughter’s home. Born in Fort Gaines, Georgia on May 4, 1921. Preceded in death by parents, Ulysses Grant and Mamie Lou (Turner) Mathis, late husband of 65 years, Edward N. Wood; grandson, Vance E. Summers; sisters, Annie Raille Mathis, Eula Mae West and Francis White; brothers, James Earl and Leon Mathis. Van was a wonderful homemaker, renowned cook and beloved day-care provider. She possessed many creative talents, including interior decorating, hat-making, flower arranging, etc. Van loved her family and home. She is survived by daughters, Jacqueline Tshaka and Leslie (Vance) Summers of Columbus; sisters, Cheneva Hayden and Theola (Arthur) Thomas; four grandsons; granddaughter, seven great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends