GEORGIA LEE WOODS

2021

Georgia Lee Woods passed away peacefully on January 18, 2021. She was born in Huntsville, Texas (Bedias) on February 23rd to Viola Churchwell Stewart and Gus Stewart, Sr. She was one of seven children. She grew up in Houston’s 4th Ward, attending Gregory Elementary School, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She was married to the late Allie Woods, Sr. They were the parents of two children.

She began her teaching career in 1956 as an Assistant Teacher at the Smith Kindergarten School in Houston’s 4th ward under Mrs. Mercie B. Smith who retired in 1958. In the 1950s very few African American women branched out to launch their own business venture. In September 1958 Mrs. Woods then became the director of her own school, The Woods’ Kindergarten School that was started in 4th ward at the Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. She gave her students a good foundation, with many of them growing up to become very influential around the country. She retired in 1994 after 36 years and was honored with a Parade in 4th Ward and a Proclamation from the City of Houston (from the late Mayor Bob Lanier). She was also honored by the Booker T. Washington HS Alumni in 2007.

As a child she dreamed of playing the piano. Because of her determination, she earned money from odd jobs to help pay for a mail-order self-instruction piano series, from which she learned to play the piano, and later the organ. She was a pianist at several Houston churches, and was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church where she was a choir musician for 25 years for the Youth, Sr. Choirs, Men’s Chorus, and Principal of Vacation Bible School. She later joined The Fountain of Praise. She was also a former Den Mother for the Cub Scouts.

In 1995, the Georgia Lee Woods Homeless Emergency Shelter in 4th Ward was named in her honor. She was a member of the Queen of Sheba Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star since 1970.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, six siblings, and her son-in-law Arthur Wilson. She is survived by two children; Allie Woods, Jr (NYC) and Linda Woods Wilson (Houston), four grandchildren; Allyson Woods (NYC), Jordan Woods (Houston), Annise Wilson, M.D. (Houston), and Alauna Wilson (NYC), sister-in-law Johnnie M. Woods, nieces, nephews, and many relatives.

The family would like to thank Mrs. Barbara Hunter, Mrs. Keshia Kemper, Mrs. Maxine Fisher, and Mrs. Susie Powell for their support. She was also supported by the East Gate Lodge #329 –H.B. Turner Grand Lodge, the Ft. Bend Black Nurses Association, and Houston Transitional Care. In lieu of flowers, those desiring to contribute may donate in Georgia Woods’ honor to the YWCA Meals on Wheels, The Ensemble Theatre Houston, the JCC Senior Companion Program, or a charity of your choice. An Anniversary Memorial will be planned at a later date.

1/29/21-Walk-Through Viewing, 4pm-7:30 p.m. -Rose of Sharon BC, 1106 Valentine St. 77019, Dr. Elmo Johnson, Pastor

1/30/21-Viewing -10:0010:30 a.m.; OES Ceremony 10:35 am; Service-11:00 a.m. -The Fountain of Praise 13950 Hillcroft Ave. 77085, Dr. Remus Wright, Pastor

Livestreamed: http:// watch.tfop.org/ (Watch Now)

Interment: Paradise North Cemetery

Arrangements Entrusted to: Carl Barnes Funeral Home, 746 W 22nd Street, Houston, TX 77008