With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Louella Wood-Casey of McAlester, OK.
What remains is memory — and the gratitude of those she loved.
What we carry forward is the light others gave us.
Louella (Webb) Wood-Casey, 93, of McAlester, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026 at her home in McAlester. Viewing will be Wednesday, May 6th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, May 7th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Northside Assembly of God Church, with Brian Smith and John Parish officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in McAlester. Pallbearers are her grandsons, Justin Wood, Preston Wood, Dustin Wood Roy Conner, Jesse Williamson, James Wood, Jr., and Houston Wood. Honorary pallbearers are her granddaughters, Misty Leeper, Marsha Conner, Andrea Johnson, Heather Wood, Kayla Cox, and Michelle Wood.
Louella Casey was born on November 6, 1932 to Elmer Webb and Josie Ann (Kirkes) Webb on Anderson Creek in Yanush, Oklahoma, one of eight kids. She grew up there and married James Ray Wood on November 11, 1947. They lived in North Carolina for a while, then moved to the McAlester area, where they raised 6 boys and one girl. After James Ray Wood's passing, Louella married Billy Casey on September 3, 1994, adding 3 beautiful daughters to the family. Louella worked at St. Mary's Hospital for many years, until the opening of the new Regional Health Center, when she moved there until her retirement in July of 1994, after 34 years of service. Louella loved sewing clothes that were just beautiful. There was nothing she couldn't make. She loved making quilts for all the children and grandchildren, and made her last one with her daughter Eloise, finishing it last summer.
Louella is survived by her husband, Bill; daughters, Eloise Wood, June Grazier and husband Ron, Kelly Bailey and husband Gene; 4 sons, Bob Wood and Emilee, James Wood, Andy Wood, and Robby Wood; 13 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and many more great-great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Millie Kemp.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sons, Edward Wood and Randy Wood; a daughter, Vicky Raper; and a granddaughter, Janice Thomas. Louella was the last of the Webb children to leave for heaven.
Louella loved the Lord with all her heart and soul. She lived the Christian walk and prayed every night for all of her kids, that they would turn from the world to the Lord. She was an amazing mother who had her hands full with 7 kids. Some never thought of the hardship she went through. There were weeks that she held down the fort as James Ray would have to have numerous surgeries for cancer. She battled cancer herself in the early 2000's, and through faith and prayer, she stayed a while longer. She went to heaven the first time then, but the angel, who she said was at least 15 feet tall, told her "It's not your time yet." She begged to stay, said she'd never known such peace. We know the gate was opened wide for her this time.
