Joline Woodard

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will hold a graveside service 10 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022, in Myrtle Hill Memorial Park at 4252 East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610. The Reverend J. Ricc Rollins will officiate. The family requests all guests to wear a mask.

Jo was married to our amazing father, Elliott “Woody” Woodard, Sr. who passed in 1998. She is survived by her son, Elliott Woodard, Jr. (Karen), her daughter, Laura Woodard, and her sister, Janet Ezzelle Woolfenden.

Jo was born, was raised, and lived most of her life in Tampa, FL. She attended Hillsborough High School and graduated from Turo Infirmary of Nursing in New Orleans, LA where she received her Registered Nursing degree. She remained a certified Registered Nurse with the State of Florida until her death. Jo was a Rainbow Girl and later became a lifelong member of the AREME Chapter of the Eastern Star (which merged with Mystic Chapter). Jo was also a member of the Sarah Bryant United Methodist Women’s Circle at the Temple Terrace United Methodist Church for more than 40 years.

From the age of 13, when she received her first sewing machine, Jo enjoyed fashion design. She designed and made beautiful clothing including evening gowns, her own wedding dress, professional suites, upholstery, and even Halloween costumes. That later led to her 10-year career as a Premier Designs Jeweler where she held many fun jewelry parties and published a monthly fashion newsletter for 5 years. Jo was also passionate about politics and served as the President of Women for Responsible Legislation which reviewed proposed policy and lobbied in Tallahassee.

As a family friend recently said: “Jo was my second mother” and another friend also commented, “Everyone loves Jo once they meet her.” Jo and Elliott were actively involved with their children and had fun participating in their lives and varied activities. Jo served as a Band Nurse for King High School’s Marching Lions and Suncoast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. Jo and Elliott opened their home to all their children’s friends and shared their love and the safety of a loving family with all of them.

We were blessed to spend a lovely Christmas with my mother and her sister. Because of COVID-19 they had not been able to see each other for two years and their reunion was a happy one.

We are most grateful to the Masonic Lodge Tampa 240 for sponsoring our mother at the Masonic Home of Florida. After our mother’s head injury, the Masonic Home of Florida provided a loving and safe assisted living and skilled nursing environment that allowed her to thrive and remain independent.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to The Masonic Home of Florida, 3201 1st St NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33704, participate in the memorial fundraiser on Facebook for the Masonic Charities of Florida, Inc., or visit https://masonichomefl.com/ and click on donate.

Woody and I are forever thankful for our mother’s sacrifices and enduring love. We will miss her physical presence and Saturday morning breakfasts, but she remains with us in our hearts and lives. I will miss my best friend.