January 15, 1932 – January 16, 2022
Gerald Andrew Woodson was born on January 15, 1932, in Hutchinson, Kansas to James A. Woodson and Thelma M. Plummer. Gerald and his twin, Geraldine were the seventh and eighth of eleven children. Gerald was the oldest by 15-minutes. He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Bertha Mae Woodson; his parents, James & Thelma Woodson, two sisters, Anna Marie and Joyce; and four brothers, James Jr., Loyal, Kenneth, and Jeffrey.
Gerald graduated from Hutchinson High School and soon joined the Air Force and served from 1952 – 1956. While stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, he met Bertha Mae Jenkins in Montgomery, Alabama. They were married in March of 1956, moved to Hutchinson, KS, Gerald’s hometown, and later to Wichita and made their home there. To this union three children were born, a daughter, Sheila Booker, a son, Lyndon K. Woodson, and daughter, Tamara Woodson-Smith.
After leaving the Air Force, Gerald worked at the US Postal Service and retired after 37 years, he had a short stint as an entrepreneur (Brother’s Incorporated). He was also active in several civil rights protests in Hutchinson. He and Bertha briefly attended St. Paul AME Church and then joined 9th Street Church of God, where he was a devoted Trustee.
Gerald was influential when it came to giving sound logical advice. A few of his favorite sayings were “use good judgment, a mind is a terrible thing to waste, and it will pass in a rush.” He recited inspirational and philosophical quotes that he loved to toss out randomly. He also loved to use Spanglish when greeting family members.
Gerald was an avid reader; he was a member of the book club, enjoyed going to the library, and encouraged the love of reading to his children and grandchildren. Gerald enjoyed discussing the latest financial/stock market news, studying the bible, he was often involved in friendly and lively scriptural, political, and ethical debates with family members. His main sparring partner was his sister-in-law, Joan Woodson.
Gerald like many of the Woodsons had a sweet tooth, one of his favorites was the “special” a/k/a peanut butter and syrup stirred to a smooth-silky perfection and served with bread but, Gerald would spread the special on practically anything especially cake and honeybuns.
He had a very eclectic taste in music enjoying everything from big band, pop, jazz, and R&B. Some of his favorite artists were Billy Eckstein, Sarah Vaughan, Johnny Mathis, Anita Baker, and Whitney Houston.
Gerald was an aggressive game player; he taught his children how to deal with the agony of defeat and never “let” us win, even when learning. He played chess, checkers, dominos, cards and was the king of playing jacks.
Some of the fond memories of spending time with dad were watching endless episodes of Star Trak, westerns, boxing, and taking family vacations.
The memories of Gerald will be cherished by his surviving family, siblings Galena Crable, Geraldine Triplett, Theda Sorenson, and Leland (Sandra) Woodson. His dedicated children, Shelia (Walter) E. Booker, Bowie, MD; Lyndon Woodson, Wichita, KS; Tamara (Al) Woodson-Smith; Atlanta, GA; two grandchildren, Dr. Corenthian (Kathy) Booker, Durham, NC; Aris Smith, Atlanta, GA and five great-grandchildren, Xander, Bryn, Koen, Ezra, and Blaise Booker, Durham, NC., and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 12:00pm to 12:30pm, with the Funeral Service at 12:30pm on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Lakeview Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery. The family requests that all attendees must be vaccinated and masks are required to attend services.
The service will be livestreamed from Lakeview Funeral Home & Cemetery Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/101635589929917 for those who are unable to attend in-person.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MyLakeviewFuneralHome.com for the Woodson family.
