Barbara Faye Woods was born on January 7, 1939, in Tyro, Mississippi, as the second daughter of Pearl (Norfleet) and Richard Commodore Smith. Growing up, she spent her days exploring the picturesque woods around her home with her younger brother, Richard, and the neighborhood kids. A self-described “tomboy,” Faye enjoyed water skiing on Sardis Lake and playing tennis.
She pursued her education at the University of Mississippi, affectionately known as “Ole Miss.” After graduating, Faye married TP St. John in 1962. The couple settled in Byhalia, where they spent 44 years together raising their two sons, Jeffrey (Jay) Adams and David Norfleet.
Faye dedicated over 30 years to teaching in Marshall County (Byhalia, Marshall Academy) and DeSoto (Olive Branch) Schools. She later served as a “Transition Specialist” for Memphis City Schools, touching the lives of thousands of children who lovingly called her “Mz Saint.”
Following TP’s passing in 2006, Faye found joy once more in marriage to Tommy Woods, a longtime friend and Mississippi legislator. Their 13 years together were filled with travel and entertaining. With Tommy’s encouragement, Faye established the Byhalia Arts Council, which she considered her proudest achievement, after her family.
A cherished friend and neighbor described Faye as “funny, loving, a talented artist,” with a deep passion for flowers, dance, and life itself. Her integrity, beauty, and commitment to her family, friends, church, Byhalia, and her faith were deeply admired.
Faye was preceded in death by her parents, sister Ann Welch, brother Richard Smith, and daughter-in-law Susan St. John. She is survived by her two sons Jeffrey Adams St. John and David Norfleet St John, her sister Bonnie L. Schwartz, her four grandchildren—Brittany Savannah, Justin , and Josh—stepchildren Prentis (Catherine), Pat (Gracie), Ray (Janice), and Jena (Andy) Woods, as well as numerous Woods grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating Faye’s life will take place at Byhalia United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 3. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to noon, followed by the service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. A reception with fellowship and refreshments will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. All who knew and loved Faye are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Byhalia Area Arts Council, PO Box 571, Byhalia, MS 38611.
