Obituary for Helen Smith Woodward
Helen Smith Woodward
Quincy, FL- Helen Virginia Smith Woodward, 100, died at Tapestry Senior Living-Lakeshore on March 29, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, William D. Woodward; siblings Julian C. Smith (Merle), James W. Smith (Mildred), Emma (Bettie) Smith Bledsoe (LeRoy), Jane Smith Keith (Lawrence), and George D. Smith (Ann); and daughter-in-law Nonnie M. Woodward. Survivors include her sons George D. Woodward and William (Bill) D. Woodward Jr. (Penny); granddaughters Elizabeth Woodward Garcia (Philip), Tracy Woodward Lanning (Ian), and Nicole K. Woodward; grandsons Landon E. Woodward and George D. Woodward Jr.; and great-grandsons Davis C. Lanning and Michael C. Garcia.
Helen was born on March 23, 1922, to Drane D. Smith and Sarah Daughtry Smith. She grew up just outside of Attapulgus, GA, where she graduated from high school in 1939. She was a proud alumna of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, where she earned a B.A. in Sociology and Bible in 1943. After college, Helen joined the Women’s Army Corp at Ft. Oglethorpe, and served at Welch Convalescent Hospital in Daytona Beach, as a psychiatric social worker for returning veterans. Following WWII, she moved back to Atlanta and worked for Retail Credit Co. (now Equifax), before returning home to Attapulgus to help care for her mother. While at home, Helen worked at Moon’s Jewelers in Quincy and met her husband, William. They married on November 15, 1951 in the chapel at Centenary Methodist in Quincy. The couple welcomed their first son, George, in 1953, and their second son, Bill, in 1956.
A few years after the birth of her second son, Helen began her 25-year career as an employee with the Florida State Department of Public Welfare. She started as a case worker in Gadsden County, mostly covering Midway. Helen later trained for advancement into a supervisory role and was assigned responsibility for the department’s activities in Franklin County. Eventually she became a Training Specialist for Developmental Services.
Outside of work, Helen generously contributed her time, talent, and resources for the betterment of Quincy. The organizations she actively supported included the Quincy Garden Club, Gadsden Historical Society, First Presbyterian Church, Gadsden Arts Center, Quincy Music Theater, and Main Street Quincy. In addition to her family, music and flowers were her two greatest passions. She loved playing the piano, collecting native azaleas, and maintaining a beautiful garden with her husband. Helen will be remembered as a loving daughter, devoted wife, caring mother, doting grandmama, and true friend. Her 100 years on this earth are marked by a legacy of strong faith, unimpeachable character, and generous spirit.
The family wishes to give special recognition and gratitude to the staff of Tapestry Senior Living-Lakeshore and Big Bend Hospice for the loving care they gave to Helen.
The service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Quincy at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 5, with visitation in the parlor following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Quincy, Gadsden Arts Center, Big Bend Hospice, or any of the organizations Helen actively participated in throughout her life. Charles McClellan Funeral Home, Quincy, FL, 850-627-7677, is in charge of arrangements.
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Quincy, FL- Helen Virginia Smith Woodward, 100, died at Tapestry Senior Living-Lakeshore on March 29, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, William D. Woodward; siblings Julian C. Smith (Merle), James W. Smith (Mildred), Emma (Bettie) Smith Bledsoe (LeRoy), Jane Smith Keith (Lawrence), and George D. Smith (Ann); and daughter-in-law Nonnie M. Woodward. Survivors include her sons George D. Woodward and William (Bill) D. Woodward Jr. (Penny); granddaughters Elizabeth Woodward Garcia (Philip), Tracy Woodward Lanning (Ian), and Nicole K. Woodward; grandsons Landon E. Woodward and George D. Woodward Jr.; and great-grandsons Davis C. Lanning and Michael C. Garcia.
Helen was born on March 23, 1922, to Drane D. Smith and Sarah Daughtry Smith. She grew up just outside of Attapulgus, GA, where she graduated from high school in 1939. She was a proud alumna of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, where she earned a B.A. in Sociology and Bible in 1943. After college, Helen joined the Women’s Army Corp at Ft. Oglethorpe, and served at Welch Convalescent Hospital in Daytona Beach, as a psychiatric social worker for returning veterans. Following WWII, she moved back to Atlanta and worked for Retail Credit Co. (now Equifax), before returning home to Attapulgus to help care for her mother. While at home, Helen worked at Moon’s Jewelers in Quincy and met her husband, William. They married on November 15, 1951 in the chapel at Centenary Methodist in Quincy. The couple welcomed their first son, George, in 1953, and their second son, Bill, in 1956.
A few years after the birth of her second son, Helen began her 25-year career as an employee with the Florida State Department of Public Welfare. She started as a case worker in Gadsden County, mostly covering Midway. Helen later trained for advancement into a supervisory role and was assigned responsibility for the department’s activities in Franklin County. Eventually she became a Training Specialist for Developmental Services.
Outside of work, Helen generously contributed her time, talent, and resources for the betterment of Quincy. The organizations she actively supported included the Quincy Garden Club, Gadsden Historical Society, First Presbyterian Church, Gadsden Arts Center, Quincy Music Theater, and Main Street Quincy. In addition to her family, music and flowers were her two greatest passions. She loved playing the piano, collecting native azaleas, and maintaining a beautiful garden with her husband. Helen will be remembered as a loving daughter, devoted wife, caring mother, doting grandmama, and true friend. Her 100 years on this earth are marked by a legacy of strong faith, unimpeachable character, and generous spirit.
The family wishes to give special recognition and gratitude to the staff of Tapestry Senior Living-Lakeshore and Big Bend Hospice for the loving care they gave to Helen.
The service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Quincy at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 5, with visitation in the parlor following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Quincy, Gadsden Arts Center, Big Bend Hospice, or any of the organizations Helen actively participated in throughout her life. Charles McClellan Funeral Home, Quincy, FL, 850-627-7677, is in charge of arrangements.
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