Charlene Woods

Charlene Woods, age 90, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 13, 2023, She was born April 18, 1932, in Jackson Mississippi, to Charlie and Alma Hayes. Charlene relocated to Chicago, in the early 1950’s, where she later met and married the love of her life, Willie Lloyd Woods, who preceded her in death April 13, 1984. Together they raised thirteen children. She was a compassionate mother who poured herself out into giving love to her children and grandchild. She had a distinct, precious relationship with all of them. Each grandchild thought she loved them the most and each loved, loved her dearly. In the 1970’s Charlene started studying the Bible and developed a deep love for Jehovah. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 21, 1973. In 1984, she began serving as a regular pioneer. To Charlene, the full time ministry was her entire life. She could not help but preach to everyone, everywhere about the good news of God’s Kingdom. She was the epitome of the woman described at Proverbs 31:20, “She extends her palm to the lowly one., And she opens her hands to the poor.” She was always ready to share with anyone, it did not matter if you were family, friend, or a stranger on the street. Charlene always had a comforting scripture, wise advice and a plate of food waiting for you. She was lovingly known as “Mama Woods” and for her famous phrases such as: “Keep Loving Jehovah” & “Keep Loving One Another.” Charlene’s children inherited a priceless spiritual legacy from her. She always encouraged them to serve Jehovah and to put him first in their lives. The Bible truths she taught them are embedded deep in their hearts and is what keeps them strong and moving forward. Her children subsequently passed down this precious legacy to their children, who in turn are doing the same with theirs. They are all eagerly awaiting reuniting with her when Jehovah opens her eyes in a new world where there will be no more sickness, death, or pain. (Revelation 21:3-4) Charlene leaves to cherish her memory her sisters Annie Laura Harkness, Gainnell Hayes, and Jerlene Michael (Fred); her eight daughters and 4 sons, Gloria Flunder, Cora Johnson, Michael Durley, Nadine Qualls (Spencer Sr.), Sharon Douglas (Aubrey), Tyrone Durley (Portia), Ann Schuzer (Rudy), Katrina Burl (Robert), Timothy Woods (Martha), Derrick Woods (Beatrice), Janette Henderson (Don), Myriam Woods, her foster daughters Aisha and Lulu Stewart, 34 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Her sister Eddie Mae Murphy, and two sons, Sammie Lee and Monroe Durley, preceded her in death.

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Charlene Woods

April 18, 1932 - April 13, 2023