Marjorie Woods, who died Tuesday of pneumonia at 87, was the matriarch of one of Lincoln's most influential families.

Frank Woods, the grandfather of Marjorie's husband, Thomas C. Woods Jr., founded Lincoln Telephone Co. and the Woods Charitable Fund.

Over the years, the family has given millions in charitable donations through the fund, and they've helped acquire more than 180 works of art for Sheldon Museum of Art and the Nebraska Art Association.

But when Marjorie's children and grandchildren think of her, they think of a wise and funny woman with boundless energy who was the center of their family.

When there was a disagreement, everyone looked to her for a solution.

"She could settle things," said her daughter, Avery Woods. "She was smart, down-to-earth and funny, a real character."

She grew up in Lincoln --with a twin sister -- and was childhood friends with the sister of her future husband.

Thomas C. Woods Jr. became her husband on her 21st birthday -- and her college graduation day.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska in 1943, and her new husband went into the service shortly thereafter.

When he got out, the couple settled in Ohio, where Marjorie was active in the junior league and a garden club.

Marjorie and Thomas, who returned to Lincoln in 1958, had two children, Avery and Thomas "Chip" Woods III, who died of cancer in 2000.

Among the couple's great loves were traveling and visiting archeological sites around the globe.

"They traveled the world together," Avery said.

Her mother collected antiques from their travels, and she was herself a painter, of landscapes and still lifes, florals.

But even more than that, she knitted and did needlepoint. Rugs and sweaters and Christmas stockings and scarves, for her five grandchildren and 10 grandchildren.

And then there was her jewelry, a personal trademark: Big, beautiful rings, and pearls. Always a string of pearls.

"We thought we might all wear pearls to the service," said her daughter. "It would just be perfect."

In Marjorie's honor. Because that's the sort of thing that would make her smile.

Reach Margaret Reist at 473-7226 or mreist@journalstar.com.