Kathryn J Woodall

Kathryn Joyner Woodall, known affectionately as “Nana” by those fortunate enough to have loved her, courageously yet gently slipped into rest Thursday evening. Ms. Woodall departed just months shy of her ninety-fourth birthday. She is survived by numerous devoted kin, including her daughter, Carole, sister, Marti, as well as several loving nieces and nephews, six grandchildren, and seven blossoming great grandchildren.

Ms. Woodall was truly one of life’s singular characters—her remarkable sense of humanity and infinite capacity for empathy were rivaled only by her relentless wit, comforting and cozy humor, and insatiable appetite for life, love, and good company. As a proud and devoted product of the Peach State, Ms. Woodall spent the majority of her ninety-three years residing in Georgia, where she raised her family and profoundly influenced countless young minds during her expansive tenure as a public school teacher. Throughout her latter years, to those closest, Ms. Woodall was known for her love of afternoon coffee and conversation, the Bulldawgs and Braves, and spirited competition at the card table. It’s no exaggeration to say that Ms. Woodall had few equals, regardless of the sphere of comparison, although her genuine humility prevented her from ever countenancing such attempted flatteries during her life.

Although Ms. Woodall suffered various ailments and illnesses in her final years, her attitude in the face of the resulting physical discomfort and mental adversity is instructive to those she leaves behind. Ms. Woodall continually maintained a fearless resolve throughout the course of what the late Christopher Hitchens referred to as the gentle yet firm deportation “from the country of the well across the stark frontier that marks off the land of malady.” As Ms. Woodall made this journey, her delicate and fragile exterior belied the vivacious spirit and unrelenting tenacity resting invisibly beneath. That is, throughout Ms. Woodall’s declining years, she became the physical embodiment of courage. Few will suffer the fortune to soldier and remain on life’s stage for the final act; after ninety-three years of passionate and distinguished living, Ms. Woodall gracefully took her exit, leaving behind a truly enviable legacy.

In order to appropriately celebrate the life of such a deserving and inspirational human, Ms. Woodall’s family will hold a memorial service in her honor on Sunday, August 7, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. The service will be held at Elliott Sons Funeral Home located at 4255 Columbia Road, Martinez, Georgia 30907. All family and friends are warmly encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be directed to the American Cancer Society, as Ms. Woodall lost her husband, daughter, and son-in-law to cancer, and was herself a survivor of the pernicious disease. Any and all contributions are kindly appreciated.

Finally, although this day is truly bathed in sorrow, let us not neglect the opportunity to meaningfully reflect upon and appreciate the culmination of an amazing, magical life. To friends and family, Nana serves as a glowing example of a person who could capture the beauty and love that runs through us all, and coax these ideals into their fullest worldly expressions. We love you, Nana, oh so dearly, and cannot begin to describe the degree to which you will be missed (but never forgotten). Rest ever so peacefully, sweet Nana.