Myra Nell Woodham Brown of Smiths, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Myra was born in Midland City, Alabama, the daughter of John Franklin Woodham and Willie Mae Marshall Woodham. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Carl Brown; her siblings: Ouida Woodham, James Woodham, Bill Woodham, Thelma Woodham Garrett, Virginia Woodham Spencer, Rex Woodham, and Franklin Dee Woodham (who died as an infant). She is survived by sisters Elnor Black and Joni Merker; daughter Patricia Montarella, daughter Karla Burns (Jim), and son Brad Brown (Ana); grandsons Michael Montarella (Hailey Howard), David Montarella (Amberlee); and John Montarella; great-grandchildren Sarai Livesey, Josh Livesey, Harrison Montarella, and Henry Montarella; brother-in-law John J. Spencer and sisters-in-law Jean Woodham, Debbie Woodham, and Dorothy Brown. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. The family owes a debt of gratitude to Barbara Gaines, Myra’s beloved “Rose,” who served her faithfully for over six years.
Myra was a graduate of Midland City High School and received a secretarial certificate from Massey Business College. After a brief stint as a medical clerk, she became a full-time homemaker. She was an active volunteer with all her children’s schools, and she was dedicated to raising her children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. She placed a high emphasis on academics, and she was always proud of every accomplishment of her children. She also served as a magnificent role model as a wife, mother, grandmother, Sunday School teacher, reader, gardener, and cook. Her strongest skill was her sewing.
Myra was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church, where she was a teacher of the senior adult women’s Sunday School class for 23 years.
Myra was a Godly woman. She was wonderfully wise and incredibly frugal. She always wanted her children to be “more” than she was, totally unaware that she was a true Proverbs 31 woman.
Proverbs 31: 31-31 from The Living Bible, Myra’s favorite version, provides a fitting summation of her life: “Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn’t last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised. Praise her for the many fine things she does. These good deeds of hers shall bring her honor and recognition from people of importance.” Most importantly, she rested in her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. As she declined in recent months, she frequently burst into song, always singing, “Jesus Paid It All.” If she could only leave one message, that would be it. Myra loved flowers, and they would be appreciated. A library for volumes on grief, dementia, and related topics will be created at the Oaks of Grove Park in memory of Myra. An Amazon link for the library will be available in the revised update on the Striffler-Hamby website. Finally, feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice in her honor.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held 2:00 P.M. EDT Thursday, March 16, 2023 in Lakewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby, Phenix City, AL with Rev. John Spencer officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home prior to the service.
