ANNA MAY WOODEN

Anna May Wooden died peacefully at her home on October 17, 2020, after 89 fruitful years on this earth. The calm throughout any storm, and the light in the midst of darkness, she exuded constant grace and kindness. She was a living example of what it means to be selfless, a sweet soul whose positive personality touched many.

An effortless seamstress and extraordinary cook, her work ethic and drive in life was contagious, but her most memorable gift was a beautiful ability to love anyone she met. Her conversations were soothing, even in your darkest of days, as her words were able to cure any angst and worry one may have.

Whether it was nestled by Junior Wooden's side in his beloved dragline as the perfect dirt work duo, mending clothes professionally at Musser's in Norborne, helping others at Fellers Rexall pharmacy, or remaining a friendly face at Norborne Supermarket, she was a staple in Carroll County. Her work ethic, common sense mentality and positive presence was admired by many, showing us all how hard work and a caring smile can go a long way.

The love she had for her family filled the room. Anna May always said her family was the one thing in life of which she was the proudest. That's why her happiest moments were during the holidays when her house was full of laughs and smiles from family and friends. She was a gracious hostess, which is why her family gatherings were memorable. During Christmas, she made sure everyone had a gift or hand-sewn pajamas, proving just how big of a heart she had during her long life.

A continuous voice of reason and source of constant wisdom, her sound advice and contagious smile will be deeply missed. She was the family rock and a continuous voice of hope, always planting seeds of advice when you needed it most.

The definition of "strong," Anna May fought cancer the final years of her life, and in true Anna May fashion, handled it with grace, showing constant compassion for others, even in moments of pain. She remained thankful for even the smallest things in life, reminding us all to never take anything for granted.

Greeted in her forever home by her husband of 52 years, Buford Glen Wooden Jr., and one son Buford Glen Wooden III, Anna May also joins many other loving family members in heaven.

Anna May is survived by: brother Michael (Jan) Quick; sister Marilyn Rose Moore. She's also survived by four daughters: Glenda (Ryan) Cowsert; Dorothy (Kent) Rogers; Evelyn (John) Morgan; and Angela Jo (Darren) Hilbrenner. She's survived by 14 grandchildren: Christie (Jason) Kallenberger, Hoss (Ginger) Matthews, Travis (Melinda) Matthews; Kendrick (Amanda) Rogers Kody (Sara) Rogers, Kiley (Ryan) Craig, Kalija Rogers; Taegan Morgan, Tyne (James) Hulsey, Taylon Morgan; Kelsey Hilbrenner, Colton (Jessica) Hilbrenner, Cameron Hilbrenner, and Kloe Hilbrenner; 20 great-grandchildren: Taelor (Tristen) McNelly, Kaed Kallenberger; Tillie Matthews, Megan Shannon, Blaine  Shannon; Avery Matthews, Grant Matthews, Hudson Matthews, Emelia May Matthews; Kastynn Rogers, Konway Rogers, Rebel Craig, Riot Craig; Kinsler Hulsey, Kimbrel Hulsey; Raine Rigby, Royal Rigby, Kinley Rogers, Kayden Rogers, and Remington Rogers. Anna May had a large family she dearly loved, and a family that surrounded her with love until she took her last breath.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Norborne First Baptist Church.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services, to celebrate Anna May's life, will be held on Friday, October 23, 2020, at the First Baptist Church in Norborne, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., with services to follow at 11:00 A.M.  Burial will follow services in Fairhaven Cemetery, Norborne.  Please remember to share your memories of Anna May by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .

While the world lost a constant light, the treasured memories and deep love she showed will hold an enteral place in many hearts. A beautiful soul whose kindness will be forever remembered, to celebrate Anna May's life, the family asks everyone to do one act of kindness in Anna May's memory. Her legacy is a life well-lived, and a large family she was so proud to create. Spreading more of Anna May's kindness will be a touching tribute and help celebrate the wonderful woman she was, a treasured soul who will be deeply missed.