July 21,1951 - May 06, 2022
Emmett Lee Woodberry Jr. age 70, passed away peacefully May 6, 2022, due to a long struggle with Sarcoidosis of the lungs, and a sudden case of pneumonia that his compromised lungs could not battle.
Born on July 21, 1951, in Harlem, NY, he was the youngest son of the late Emmett Sr. and Estella Woodberry, and the little brother of big sister Carolyn. Although born in the Big Apple, Emmett was raised in Jacksonville, FL, by two ladies who believed wholeheartedly in “spare the rod, spoil the child,” Claudia B Williams, (Granny) and Savannah Woodberry (Doll). He attended Matthew Gilbert High School, where he was a proud member of the Marching Band and attended FAMU. Affectionately known as “Woody” by many of his friends and coworkers at Imeson Distribution, where he started his career in the warehousing business on June 04, 1985.
Loved by everyone who met him, Emmett had an infectious laugh, a bright smile and a warmth that made everyone around him feel at ease.
Emmett gave his life to the Lord at an early age, his life was a living example of his favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”
He despised wearing shorts, (because of his skinny legs), tomatoes, cooked carrots, loud-mouth know-it-alls and mean people. Emmett had an old school way about him, he was not a big fan of technology, still wrote checks to pay his bills, and still went to the bank every Friday. His first trip to an ATM was in 2022.
Emmett had many loves too, he loved his Big sister Carolyn, the woman he said he prayed for, Judith. He also dearly loved his stepdaughters (Elizabeth and Veniece) and grandchildren (Sean, Shane, Sierra, and William) he also adored his little buddy who he affectionately called, “Little M.” (Mikayla Clarke). Last year when Mikayla’s mom passed away, Judith told Emmett she would not hold it against him if he left, because her life was about to change. The life of retirement and travel was not going to happen for at least another 8 yrs, because she now has an 11yr old. Emmett replied, “you mean, we have an 11yr old.” I am NOT going anywhere.” Is there any question, why Judith affectionately called him “Superman?”
Emmett loved, NO, Emmett was OBSESSED with Sports, he planned his weekends around the football and basketball schedule of The Florida Gators, and the Football schedule of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and scheduled vacation time for March Madness. He loved sports cars, Formula 1, collecting knives, watches, loved crime shows, comedy, daily trips to the gym, vitamins, protein drinks, and thought van-camp pork and beans were the perfect side dish for any meal, even with shrimp-egg foo young.
Emmett is survived by his sister Apostle-Pastor Carolyn Thomas (Earnest), his partner Judith Chapple and her granddaughter Mikayla Clarke, his stepdaughters and grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and very special friends including Barilynn Goldstein and co-workers Mike B., Mike R., Mike W., Judy, Joy, Penny, Tonya, Dianglo, and Anthony.
One of the things that Emmett said often, even if he never won the lottery (and he tried), he felt he was Blessed with a good life, and it didn’t matter how he died, it matters how he lived. Which is the reason he always tried to be kind to everyone.
Visitation 6-8 p.m. Thursday May 12, Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073 where the Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m. Friday May 13, with interment to follow, next door at Jacksonville Memory Gardens Cemetery, 111 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073, Family and friends are cordially invited to brunch and to meet with the family back at the funeral home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensrivermead,com for the Woodberry, family.
