Marion McIntyre Woodyard, a resident of Mobile, Alabama, was born on September 28, 1929, and passed away peacefully in her home on August 23, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur DeWitt McIntyre Jr. and Avis Lucille Lee McIntyre, her husband of 67 years, John D. “Jack” Woodyard, and her sons-in-law, Andrew Powell Sr., and Clifford Mullen.
Marion lived her life as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, leaving a legacy of integrity, resilience, and faithful love that spreads over 5 generations.
She is survived by her 5 daughters:
Karen (Robert) Allen, Kathryn Powell, Julie Mullen, Janet Woodyard, and Marsha Hawkins;
Grandchildren: Spencer (Ali) Allen, Matthew Allen, Alexander (Genevieve) Kelley, Carson Bates, Katie (Trent) Perera, Andrew (Mackenzie) Powell, Jr., Katelyn (Joey) Cardenas, Camille (Austin) Miner, Benjamin (Ashlyn) Mullen, Abigail (Dylan) Balsz, Asher Wallen, Tanner Hawkins, and Tucker Hawkins;
Great-grandchildren:
Jon Allen, Gwyneth Allen, Izabella Allen, Anna Gray White-Spunner, Madeline Kelley, Jack Kelley, Thomas Kelley, Elizabeth Cardenas, Clara Cardenas, Isla Cardenas, Ledger Miner, Lawson Miner, Livingston Miner, Lowen Miner, Audrey Suarez, Westin Mullen, Everlee Mullen, Samuel Balsz, and Thomas Balsz; and great-great grandchild: Stella Allen.
Marion graduated from Murphy High School, and began working at 1st National Bank. On a weekend visit to Calvert, she was set up on a blind date with Jack Woodyard. They later married and made their home in Calvert. In addition to being a wife and mother, Marion worked as a substitute teacher, then as a secretary at Searcy Hospital, in Mount Vernon, Alabama. In 1971 Marion and Jack moved to Mobile to be near her parents. She then worked as a medical transcriptionist at the University of South Alabama Medical Clinic for the rest of her career.
Marion was a brilliant woman who showed love through the honor and respect she gave to others. She enjoyed keeping her home updated and well maintained, reflecting her faithful character. She was quiet, often serious, but also enjoyed laughing and listening to others, putting their needs above her own. She always welcomed people into her home. She was excellent at baking. Visitors and family knew her cookie tins were never empty, and there was sure to be either cake, pies, or homemade candy. Even a few of the ‘questionable’ boyfriends her daughters brought home got to enjoy those treats!
Marion enjoyed sewing, playing bridge, vacationing at the beach, shopping, cooking, watching movies, reading and keeping up with current events. She was a member of Christ Anglican Church, and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She also loved the Crimson Tide!
After retirement, Marion once again resumed an active social life, spending much time with her beloved best friend, Carolyn Ellisor. Doubtlessly, they are together even now working a puzzle (or playing bridge), eating chocolates, surrounded by cats, with Jack peeping over her shoulder about to pull a tail.
Over the last two years Marion needed supportive care to retain her independence. Her team of caregivers did an excellent job. Marion and her family were and are deeply grateful to all those who widely opened their hearts to serve her. We give special thanks to Brenda McCants, Gwen Crawford, and Allison Walker for their long time service, and to LeTisha Jones for her invaluable help on Marion’s final day.
A visitation will be held Friday, August 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the mission outreach of Christ Anglican Church or your favorite charity. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
