4
trees
planted in memory of Martha Jean Laslie Woodward
Obituary for Martha Jean Laslie Woodward
Martha Jean Laslie Woodward died peacefully September 7, 2023 in her home surrounded by her children and devoted caregivers.
Born the second child of 9 children on the family tobacco farm on January 30, 1933, she attended elementary school in Attapulgus and graduated from Gadsden County High School in 1950. She graduated from Wesleyan College summa cum laude with a degree in history in 1954. Martha Jean began her teaching career in Albany Georgia. After meeting and marrying Dickson Sylvester Woodward on September 10, 1955, she became a farmer’s wife, raised her children and taught in the Gadsden County Florida School System. In 1970, she began working at Robert F. Munroe School where she taught many children, chaperoned many school trips and dances, and worked tirelessly to expand the knowledge and minds of her students.
She was active in the Presbyterian Church serving in many capacities: Sunday School Teacher, Elder, Church Treasurer, Presbyterian Woman of the Year, and on committees in the Florida Presbytery. In retirement, she and her husband did mission work with “In the Carpenter’s Footsteps” in Costa Rica and grew champion roses that not only received many awards, but graced many a bride’s table, family dinners or the home of someone that needed cheering up.
Martha Jean was predeceased by her husband, Dickson Sylvester Woodward, a son, Joseph Dickson Woodward, beloved sisters Joe Ann Livingston(Mayo) and Mary (Bob) Grodner, brother Joe Laslie, and her parents, Joseph Taylor and Annie Berry Laslie.
She is survived by her children Anne Ahrendt (Kurt) of Wakulla, Hayes Woodward (Rhonda) of Quincy and Taylor Woodward (Stephanie) of Augusta, Georgia. Four grandchildren, John Ahrendt, Adrianne Glass (Grant), Nancy Woodward and Reed Woodward and her siblings Beulah Brinson Byrd (Buck), Eleanor Griffin (Taylor), Harriet Reynolds, John Laslie and Berry Laslie as well as a host of much loved nieces and nephews also survive.
Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 2 pm on Sunday, September 10, 2023 with the service following at 3:00 pm.
The family would like to thank the kindness of Michelle Witherspoon, Adina Williams, Vernestean Leftwich and Latasha Card in providing her with her independence and treating her with dignity during her final days. They also wish to thanks the kind souls of Big Bend Hospice and the many friends and neighbors who provided companionship, cards and flowers.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gadsden Art Center, the Quincy Music Theater or a favorite charity.
Martha Jean made a indelible mark on the hearts and minds of so many in the South Georgia and North Florida region. She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.
Charles McClellan Funeral Home, Quincy, FL., 850-627-7677.
To plant a tree in memory of Martha Jean Laslie Woodward, visit the Tribute Store.
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