Obituary for Mary Louise Woods
First Lady Mary Louise Jackson Woods was born Thursday, February 28, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio. She received her formal education from Columbus Public Schools and was a graduate of East High School. Mary accepted Christ at the age of eleven years old. She joined and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. James W. Parrish. There, she played the piano for the Sunday School Department.
Miss Mary L. Jackson was united in holy matrimony on March 17, 1956, to Mr. Joseph Lewis Woods. Together, they were blessed with six sons. Mary was very involved with her children’s education. She was Past President of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) of Berry Junior High, Past Executive Board Member at Clarfield Elementary and Marion-Franklin High School, and a member of the Booster Club. Moreover, she was employed for twelve years as a Bus Driver for Columbus Public Schools.
To worship with her husband, Mary joined Pilgrim Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Dr. M.J. Mitchell. At Pilgrim, Sister Woods served as Supervisor of the Junior Usher Board, Vice President and President of the Nurses Guild, served as Assistant Chief Usher of the Senior Ushers, and was a member of the Deaconess Board. Currently, Sister Woods served as First Lady of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Middleport, Ohio.
In addition to her church affiliations, Sister Woods was Vice President of The Missionary Society; former President of the Ministers’ Wives and Widows; Deaconess, Deacons Wives & Widows & Parish Workers; former Assistant Youth Advisor for Hocking District, both of the Providence Regular Missionary Baptist Association.
Mary was also involved in many civic associations which included Past Matron of Winona Chapter No. 86 Order of The Eastern Star (O.E.S.), Amaranth Grand Chapter, Inc. O.E.S., The Order of The Golden Circle, Capital Valley Assembly No. 34; and a member of 1950-55 East High School Alumni. Mary sold Avon Products for over 30 years. For many years, she was a member of the President’s Club. She also was inducted in the Honor Society in 1994 and in 1996, received the Spirit of Avon Award.
Blessed with 84 years of life, our beloved First Lady Mary L. Woods was called from labor to eternal reward on Sunday, December 1, 2019. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel Jackson; foster parents, Johnny and Annette Johnson; and sons, Joseph Woods, Jr. and Steven Woods.
Celebrating her legacy include her husband of 63 years and nine months, Pastor Joseph L. Woods, Sr.; sons, Kevin (Robin) Woods of Moreno Valley, California, Clinton (Patricia) Woods of Pflugerville, Texas, Marvin (Sherry) Woods of San Diego, California, Jeffrey Woods, of Columbus, Ohio; seven grandsons; seven granddaughters; seventeen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; stepdaughter, Debra (Earl) Proffit of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; her Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Family; a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Mary was loved by all and will be truly missed.
Miss Mary L. Jackson was united in holy matrimony on March 17, 1956, to Mr. Joseph Lewis Woods. Together, they were blessed with six sons. Mary was very involved with her children’s education. She was Past President of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) of Berry Junior High, Past Executive Board Member at Clarfield Elementary and Marion-Franklin High School, and a member of the Booster Club. Moreover, she was employed for twelve years as a Bus Driver for Columbus Public Schools.
To worship with her husband, Mary joined Pilgrim Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Dr. M.J. Mitchell. At Pilgrim, Sister Woods served as Supervisor of the Junior Usher Board, Vice President and President of the Nurses Guild, served as Assistant Chief Usher of the Senior Ushers, and was a member of the Deaconess Board. Currently, Sister Woods served as First Lady of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Middleport, Ohio.
In addition to her church affiliations, Sister Woods was Vice President of The Missionary Society; former President of the Ministers’ Wives and Widows; Deaconess, Deacons Wives & Widows & Parish Workers; former Assistant Youth Advisor for Hocking District, both of the Providence Regular Missionary Baptist Association.
Mary was also involved in many civic associations which included Past Matron of Winona Chapter No. 86 Order of The Eastern Star (O.E.S.), Amaranth Grand Chapter, Inc. O.E.S., The Order of The Golden Circle, Capital Valley Assembly No. 34; and a member of 1950-55 East High School Alumni. Mary sold Avon Products for over 30 years. For many years, she was a member of the President’s Club. She also was inducted in the Honor Society in 1994 and in 1996, received the Spirit of Avon Award.
Blessed with 84 years of life, our beloved First Lady Mary L. Woods was called from labor to eternal reward on Sunday, December 1, 2019. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel Jackson; foster parents, Johnny and Annette Johnson; and sons, Joseph Woods, Jr. and Steven Woods.
Celebrating her legacy include her husband of 63 years and nine months, Pastor Joseph L. Woods, Sr.; sons, Kevin (Robin) Woods of Moreno Valley, California, Clinton (Patricia) Woods of Pflugerville, Texas, Marvin (Sherry) Woods of San Diego, California, Jeffrey Woods, of Columbus, Ohio; seven grandsons; seven granddaughters; seventeen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; stepdaughter, Debra (Earl) Proffit of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; her Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Family; a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Mary was loved by all and will be truly missed.