Dale Lawson Woodruff

Her parents were Olive Mae Hendry Lawson and Kenneth Chester Lawson, both of whom are deceased. Her sister, Ruth, and brother, Kenneth, also predeceased Dale. A visitation will be held on Oct. 5, 2025, 5-7 pm at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home on Riggins Road.

Dale is survived by her husband of 54 years, Edward Woodruff; children, Alicia Collins (Chris) of Tallahassee, Trey (Janet) of Nashville, Tennessee, Andy (Liz Tucker) of Tallahassee; and grandchildren, John of Tallahassee, Timothy of Gainesville, Rachel of Charleston, South Carolina, Katie of Tallahassee, and London and Camden both of Nashville. Other survivors are nieces, Lisa and Angie of Perry, Florida.

Dale was a graduate of the public schools in Perry, Florida, North Florida Junior College, and received three degrees from Florida State University. She taught and was an administrator in several public schools in Leon County and was a finalist for Teacher of the Year for Leon County. She taught at Florida State University and was awarded recognition as an outstanding graduate assistant by the University. Dale also taught at the Tallahassee branch of Flagler College and was again recognized as an outstanding teacher.

Other than her religion, family and close friends, Dale’s passion was sharing the love of reading. She wanted each one of her students to enjoy the wonderful world that can be opened through a good book. Her personal collection of children’s books was often brought to her classrooms to inspire students and future teachers. If she could turn her college students into avid readers of good literature, Dale hoped that love would carry over into their own classrooms and their approach to teaching.

As her health declined, Dale was blessed to have friends who never abandoned her. Pat, Diana, Theresa, Katie, Louise, and Martha brought flowers and food which was greatly appreciated. More importantly, each took time to sit, visit and invest in friendships built over many years. They could not have been more supportive.

The family thanks Vallie, Bridget, and Patsy for the care that each took with Dale.

Probably Dale’s last wish would be that you read a good book. Maybe a favorite children’s book from your childhood or that you read to your kids or grandchildren; maybe a middle or high school/college level one that you still occasionally think about; perhaps a novel you have been meaning to get around to reading but keep putting off. Dale’s wish would simply be that you once again enjoy reading by letting your imagination create the world the author has put into words.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest bringing a children’s book to the visitation. Books received will be donated to a school (probably Sabal Palm) where Dale once taught.

Big Bend Hospice was wonderful in the compassionate way they treated Dale and family. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice Foundation at https://bigbendhospice.charityproud.org/Donate or mailed to Big Bend Hospice Foundation, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308.