Bennie Wayne Johnson Wood

Bennie Wayne Johnson Wood, age 99, was called by her Lord and Savior on February 14, 2026 and is experiencing a joyous reunion with her many loved ones in their heavenly home.

Graveside Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026, at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at Hawkins Funeral Home to celebrate Bennie's life and her Artwork with brunch to be provided. 

Bennie was born on August 16,1926 in Bridgeport, Texas, where she grew up with a large extended family and attended public schools. At age 15, she met Bennie Ray Wood at a summer Baptist church revival held on the banks of Big Sandy Creek in Wise County and they soon became a couple. When Bennie Ray moved to New Orleans, LA for work after high school, she followed him, and they married there on September 1, 1942, officially becoming Bennie and Bennie Wood.

Their son Walter was born in 1944, followed by Terry in 1946 in Louisiana. They decided to move back to Texas and put down roots in Haltom City where the boys attended school and participated in sports. Bennie Ray opened a used car lot in Fort Worth and Bennie Wayne held down the home front. They also co-owned a Ford dealership in Decatur for several years and purchased a 160-acre ranch in Decatur where they raised Black Angus cattle. Bennie and Bennie owned and bred quarter horses and traveled the regional racetracks in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico, with many wins, a few losses, sharing together a lifelong passion for Quarter Horse Racing. Walter and Terry followed in their father’s footsteps, working in the used car business beside him until his death in 1979.

Bennie found herself a single woman at the age of 53, with no previous work experience outside the home. She decided to simply reinvent herself rather than becoming dependent on her sons; her choices transformed her life. Bennie immersed herself in what had been her “painting hobby” which blossomed into an exciting and fulfilling career that spanned 40 years. Every person who met her from this time forward came to well know her independent spirit!

Bennie was a founding Board Member of Trinity Arts Guild in Bedford, holding several officer positions over the years. Bennie helped to form and lead the fledgling nonprofit which is today an accomplished arts movement. She was very active in the arts community until her eyesight began to fail in her 90’s, and she became more home bound. Her dreams and commitment literally helped transform the arts and cultural environment throughout Tarrant County and beyond.

Bennie was predeceased by her husband Bennie Ray Wood Sr., an infant son Bennie Ray Wood Jr., and son Terry Franklin Wood; also, her parents, Walter and Electra Johnson; sisters, Virginia Matzinger and Roberta Pate Matzinger, and a brother, Delmo Johnson. Bennie is survived by her son Walter Wood (wife Cynthia), her grandson Terry Kenton (wife Amber), granddaughter Alison Arnold (husband John), three great grandsons - Landry Wood, Riley Wood, & Jameson Arnold, also a daughter-in-law Patricia Wood, (sons Michael & Mark and their families); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins & a host of friends.

Bennie Wayne Johnson Wood leaves behind a legacy of love for family, friendship, and the arts. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made at The First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Texas “Food Pantry,” or the food bank of your choice.

Hawkins Funeral Home Bridgeport

940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com