Emma Wood of Ocala, FL, passed away on January 11, 2023, after a short illness with her son by her side.

She was born on June 20, 1945, in Ephrata, PA, to the late Moses and Lizzie Shirk Zimmerman. Emma married George W. Wood, Sr., on February 4, 1977, in Arcadia, FL. He preceded her in death on July 30, 1989. In addition to her parents and her husband, Emma was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Zimmerman, and her sister, Edna Burkholder.

She is survived by her son, George W. Wood, Jr., and his wife, Jennie, of North Augusta, SC. She was the very best Grandma in the whole world to Henry, Amara, and Liam (George W. Wood III).

She is also survived by her brothers: Elmer Zimmerman, Henry (Katie) Zimmerman, Moses (Wilma) Zimmerman, Levi (Verna) Zimmerman, & Amon (Irene) Zimmerman and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her lifelong friend since childhood, Hettie (Don) Finney as well as many other cherished friends.

Emma moved to Florida in 1975. She earned her undergraduate degree from Edison College in Fort Meyers and her graduate degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa. She retired from Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee in 2012 where she was a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She settled into her retirement in a wonderful community in Ocala, FL.

Emma was an avid motorcycle rider and was heavily involved with the Goldwing Road Rider Association (GWRRA) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). She served in a variety of senior leadership positions with the GWRRA and received the Presidential Award, the association's highest honor, in 2004. As an MSF instructor, Emma shepherded countless people as they began their journey as a motorcycle rider. Additionally, Emma went on many long distance motorcycle adventures that have included all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and the Arctic Circle.

There will be a graveside service on Thursday, January 19th, at 10 AM at Joshua Creek Cemetery in Arcadia, FL. If you wish to make a donation in Emma's memory, the family has selected the American Heart Association (or an organization of your choosing that is meaningful to you).

Online condolences may be made at: www.pongerkaysgrady.com.

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes Arcadia has been entrusted with the arrangements.