Rev. Jenkins Randolph Woods

He married the love of his life, Ava Lee Waldrep, on April 17, 1948. The day after their wedding, they started a revival in Center. They had 59 wonderful years together, 3 sons, 3 grandsons, and 3 great granddaughters.

Rev. Woods was an evangelist with the Assemblies of God for 9 years before marrying and he and Ava Lee continued in the field for 2 more years. They moved to Sinton, and pastored for 6 months then, moved to Robstown, where their first child Rodney was born, and pastored 2 ½ years.

While visiting family in Baytown, he inquired about land for sale to build a church. On June 19, 1952, Memorial Assembly of God was birthed in a tent. Revival lasted all summer. They moved from the tent into a home and a short time later they outgrew the home and broke ground for a new sanctuary located on the corner of Highway 146 and Cedar Bayou Crosby Road.

On February 14, 1954, Memorial Assembly of God, along with their second child, Sidney, was dedicated by Rev. J. O. Savell. They faithfully pastored this congregation 46 years, dedicating two of their three sons and all three grandsons in that sanctuary.

At the time of his death, Rev. Woods had held license and ordination papers with the Assemblies of God for 65+ years, serving as Presbyter and on numerous district committees. Many ministers, missionaries, evangelists, and teachers received their calling into ministry under his leadership.

He truly had a pastor’s heart up to the day he died. He continually prayed and preached to everyone who came to visit him. He loved people and people loved him.

No matter the hour, day or night, if someone needed him, he was there for them, to lend a hand, provide a shoulder to cry on, encourage, and pray. He truly was a shepherd to his congregation and a friend to the community.

Rev. Woods is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Mary Ellen Woods; one sister, Ina Buckels; seven brothers, Wesley Woods, Ocie Woods, Raymond Woods, Rev. Huey Woods, Louis Woods, Henry Woods, and Paul Anderson.

He is survived by his wife, Ava Lee Woods of Baytown; sons and daughters-in-law, Rodney Woods of Dallas, Rev. Sidney and Gwen Woods of Silsbee, and Rev. Phillip and Lisa Kay Creekmore Woods of Baytown; grandsons and their wives, Jonathan and Amber Woods of Beaumont, Rev. Jarrod and Melissa Woods of Silsbee, and Mason Phillip Woods of Baytown; great granddaughters, Mykenzie, Macey, and Briana; brother and sister-in-law, Cecil and Oda Bee Anderson of Baytown; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Cecil and Selma Newton of Highlands, Roberta Woods, Merle Woods, Bonnie Woods, and Esther Wakefield, all of Baytown; and numerous nieces, nephews and too many friends to name.

Rev. Woods was a great man of God, a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed here on earth, but he is part of our treasure in heaven and we look forward to that day when we shall be united with him once again.

His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 23, 2007. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 24, 2007, at Trinity Tabernacle Assembly of God Church, 1008 East Lobit Avenue, Baytown, Texas, 77520. Burial will follow at Cedar Bayou United Methodist Cemetery Church on Ferry Road in Baytown.

Officiating will be Rev. Austin Wilkerson, Rev. Sidney Woods, Rev. Phillip Woods, Rodney Woods, and Rev. Larry Hayes.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Woods, Sidney Woods, Phillip Woods, Jonathan Woods, Jarrod Woods, and Mason Woods.

Honorary Pallbearers will be all of his nephews.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521, (281) 422-8111.