Patricia Elizabeth Dana Woody passed away on March 21, 2020, at the age of 96 after a long illness. Pat, Mom, and “Grammy” to many, she shared her sweet smile, grace, kindness, and gentle humor with everyone. Pat was born August 19, 1923, in Metuchen, New Jersey. Her older brother, Richard, and younger brother, Walter, predeceased her. Her husband for over 36 years, Leonard S. Woody, passed away in 1976. She never remarried because, as she would say, she had already married the best.
Pat went through nursing training in New York City. When asked why, she said it was one of the requirements for what she wanted to do – become a flight attendant. It’s that adventurous spirit that led Pat to her many different and exciting areas of the world. Shortly after becoming a nurse toward the end of World War II, she signed up in the Army Nurse Corps, becoming a 1st Lieutenant. She completed a short tour at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, HI; better known to many as the “Pink Hospital” because of its painting. With orders to deploy to occupied Japan, Pat rode out a typhoon on her transport ship near Okinawa. Despite orders not to, she recalled opening a porthole just so she could see what all the fuss was about.
Because it was early in the occupation of Japan, all female nurses were not allowed to leave their ship without a male escort. When asked to go on a double-date, Pat jumped at the chance to leave ship. She claimed “shotgun” so she could ride in the front seat of the Army jeep driven by Leonard. It was truly love at first sight. They were married in Yokohama, Japan, shortly afterwards. When she and Leonard returned to the U.S., they bought a surplus jeep in Seattle and drove in the dead of winter to meet their parents for the first time – Leonard’s in Byhalia, MS, and Pat’s in Metuchen, NJ. Leonard accepted a position in Birmingham, AL, and that’s where they settled.
Leonard and Pat raised three children. Helen Woody (Walton) Linder of Oneonta, AL; LTC (Ret) Leonard S. (Georgia Mapes) Woody, Jr. of Johns Creek, GA; and MAJ (Ret) John Dana Woody of Pell City, AL. Pat is further survived by her six grandkids and 10 great grandkids. She always enjoyed visiting family no matter where they lived. Places such as Kansas, Virginia, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, various cities in Alabama, Germany, and Hawaii (with a visit to the “Pink Hospital”).
While not continuing as a practicing nurse, Pat did put her skills to good use. For over 20 years, she volunteered in the St. Vincent Hospital Recovery Room. She was amazed and glad to see the advances made, but could also show some old-school practices to those there. She was also known as the neighborhood “Doc Woody”, helping with advice and kindness to all the families around her.
Her volunteer work wasn’t limited to nursing. She was a Girl Scout Troop Leader, member of Civitan Women, and strong supporter of the military.
Pat also enjoyed travel throughout the U.S. Trips with family and friends took her to many states and Canada. Of all the places she traveled, visiting mountainous areas were her favorite. She also really enjoyed adventures. For Pat, it was a great time to just turn down a county road and see where it led. She loved the outdoors and could sit for hours just looking at scenery. Since 2005, Pat lived in Pell City, AL, in a home on Logan Martin Lake. Her favorite pastime was sitting on her porch with a good book.
She was a faithful member of South Highland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham for over 70 years. She also served as church Deacon. In addition to being an avid reader, Pat loved and enjoyed flowers, watching backyard birds, and especially her pet dogs over the years.
Pat made friends easily. She seemed to always know her neighbors well, the names of her mailperson, grocery butcher and check-out person, store managers, gas station attendant, and even the local dog catcher.
Pat, Mom, Grammy is already missed deeply by her family. She will always be remembered for her love, kindness, and caring ways.
There will be a memorial service held at a later date at South Highland Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to South Highland Presbyterian Church or your favorite charity.
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