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PENDLETON – Mary Lucille Jones Woodard, age 81, of 701 Willis Hare Road, Pendleton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024, at ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville, North Carolina, surrounded by her family.

Mary was born on February 6, 1943 in Suffolk, Virginia and was a long-time resident of Pendleton, North Carolina. She is preceded in death by her beloved father, Seth Aaron Jones; her mother, Lucille Harris Jones; and her devoted husband, Walter William Woodard, Jr.
She held a B.A. in English Literature from Longwood University as well as a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia. She dedicated her life to shaping young minds as an Advanced Placement English Literature teacher in a career spanning over three decades. Her passion for literature inspired countless students, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of learning from her at Forest Glen High School and Southampton County High School.

An avid reader, Mary cherished the simple joys of life. She was a gardening enthusiast in her younger years. Her unwavering dedication to her family was evident in her roles as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Above all, she treasured her faith and was active within the Severn Mennonite Church community and was a former member of Roberts Chapel Baptist Church. Her enduring legacy is one of love, grace, and a steadfast faith that touched all who knew her. Mary Lucille Jones Woodard will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

She is survived by her cherished son, Walter Aaron Woodard of Pasadena, MD – retired US Army, currently Department of Defense- and her two adored granddaughters, Hailey Nicole Woodard and Keira Ashlyn Woodard, both of Annapolis, MD. She also leaves behind her dear brother, Seth Abb Jones of Hobbsville, NC.

The family will receive friends at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 6-7:30 p.m. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a graveside service on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Robert’s Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Pendleton, NC, with Pastor Dale Miller officiating. Honoring her memory as pallbearers are Jason Long, Blake Flythe, Stephen Burgess, Trent Burgess, Adam Burgess, Warren Sensenig, Denny Eby, and Nathan Miller.

Mary’s family invites friends and loved ones to share condolences online at www.garrettsykesfs.com. The Woodard family has entrusted Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro, NC, with the funeral arrangements.