Dorothy Belle Wood, 87, of Leonardtown, Maryland, formerly of Lusby, Maryland, passed away peacefully at her home on November 27, 2025. Born on January 30, 1938, in Prince Frederick, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy and William Tory Bafford.
Dorothy was a proud graduate of Calvert High School. She served her community for many years as a Sunday School Teacher and a Teacher at SPUMPS, sharing her faith, kindness, and gentle spirit with countless children. Above all, she devoted her life to raising and caring for her family—a role she cherished deeply. She loved cooking and baking for her loved ones, and her kitchen was always a place of warmth, comfort, and togetherness.
Dorothy is survived by her children: Jeff Wood (Tina) of Lusby, MD; Gail Reeder (Rick) of Lusby, MD; Debbie Johnson of Lusby, MD; and Kim Blackistone (Roy) of Leonardtown, MD. She is also survived by her sister, Eva Mae Wood of Florida; ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William T. Bafford, Jr.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Rausch Funeral Home, 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 12:00 noon, with Pastor Faith Wilkerson and Rev. Ruth Dixon officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul United Methodist Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Michael A. Berthiaume, Kolton Blackistone, Michael W. Berthiaume, Ryan Downey, Danny Wallace, Jeremie Johnson, and Cody Berthiaume.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Mary’s Hospice in Dorothy’s memory, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.ox 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Jan and Kevin Warren
December 4 – Obituary: Dorothy Belle Wood
Dear Family,
We were so saddened to hear about Miss Dorothy’s passing. She was truly one of the sweetest and kindest souls I have ever known. I will always remember her gentle smile, her peaceful spirit, and the way she showed kindness to everyone she met.
Your family has been such a special part of our lives for so many years, and Miss Dorothy was a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories she leaves behind and in the love she shared so freely.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Jan and Kevin Warren
Terry Grover Edwards
December 4 – Obituary: Dorothy Belle Wood
Praying for all of you during this sad time as you grieve the loss of your Mom. Dorothy Belle was a kind, sweet and gentle soul. She always had a smile on her face and I remember when she used to come over to Mrs. Dorothy’s when I was young and she was my babysitter. She endured some rough patches in her life, but with her children and her love of God, she prevailed. I know you will miss her deeply, but one thing you can hold on to is that she had a positive impact on ever child she ever came in contact with.
Tina (Zinn) D'Andelet
December 2 – Obituary: Dorothy Belle Wood
I am so sorry to hear of Miss Dorothy’s passing. My mom (Bonnie Zinn Taylor), Miss Betty and Miss Dorothy had such a great friendship. They were brought together through SPUMPS. Their friendship has lasted many years. Mom always looked forward to the get-togethers with Miss Dorothy and Miss Betty. Oh, the laughs they shared!! I will be praying for comfort though this difficult time.
Chris McCready
December 1 – Obituary: Dorothy Belle Wood
My sincere condolences to Jeff, Gail, and the entire family. Mrs. Wood was such a kind and gentle person and always had a ready smile. I spent many days at her home when Jeff and I were growing up; she treated me like a member of the family. She baked and cooked for us and was one of the most pleasant people I’ve met in my lifetime. I know she will be greatly missed by her children but I’m so thankful she will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. She was a blessing to me and I won’t forget her.
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