Dorothy J. Wood

Dorothy Jane Wood, better known as “Honey” was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 15th 1939 to the proud parents of James E. Steptoe Sr. and Pauline Steptoe Evans. She departed temporal life and entered eternal life on Friday, August 14, 2020.

Honey was the youngest of 3 children. She and her siblings were born and raised in Robinson Court in the Hill District. As a young girl, Honey attended A. Leo Wild School and participated in many parades in the city of Pittsburgh as a majorette. While attending Fifth Avenue High School, Honey met and married Gerald S. Wood on September 17, 1955. Together, Honey and Gerald had 5 daughters, Nadine (Na), Geraldine (Deannie), Darlene (Dottie), MichaelAnn (Mikie) and Robin.

After the birth of their last daughter, the family moved from Cresson Street to Laketon Road where Honey taught neighborhood kids to play Jacks and Paddle Ball, ran races with the kids, played baseball and made the best chocolate chip cookies!

After being a homemaker for many years, Honey was hired by the Wilkinsburg School District as a cafeteria worker. She started as a salad maker, was promoted to cook and eventually took the reins as head cook, and the food gained national recognition! Ya'll remember the Gravy Train?

During her time at the cafeteria "Ms. Honey" chaperoned dances and proms, packed super lunches for traveling athletes and cheerleaders, supported school fund-raisers and mothered countless Wilkinsburg Tigers. After 17 years she hung up her apron and moved on to management as the Food Service Director for the Clairton School District.

Honey leaves to mourn her passing: Her loving sister JoAnn Harper, 2 cousins Suzy Doss and Johnny McGuire, her 5 girls Nadine (Lamont) Walker, Geraldine (George) Ross, Darlene Duncan (Bob), MichaelAnn (Edward) Harris and Robin (Robert) Jackson; her neice Germaine Fleming (whom she helped raise), 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Honey will be truly missed.

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