Rayna Lawren Woodford

She graduated from Western High School in Baltimore, MD and then went on to graduate from Howard University with a Bachelors of Arts in Music in 1969. While attending Howard, she joined the Alpha chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in 1967.

Rayna married the late Dr. Carroll Sydney Woodford on June 27th, 1971 at Saint John United Church in Columbia, MD.

Her distinguished career as an educator began at Wilde Lake Middle School (Columbia, MD) where she taught middle school music. In 1984 she joined the staff at Glenelg Country School (Glenelg, MD) where she continued her passion for teaching until she retired in 2013.

Rayna brought love, drive and determination to everything she did in life. She was deeply involved in many organizations such as the Iota Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she served as president from 1981 to 1984, The Links, Incorporated and the Columbia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. where she served as president from 1991 to 1992 and was a life member.

Rayna will be most remembered for the love and devotion she had for her family and friends.

Rayna’s sister Brenda Gladden preceded her in death.

She leaves to mourn: her son: Mr. William C. Woodford; daughter: Ms. Jordana S. Woodford; sons: Dr. Nicholas (Puja) Woodford, Dr. Matthew (Kaitlin) Woodford; grandchildren: Ivy Pearl Woodford, Gia Simone Woodford, Charles Carroll Woodford, Kamila Grace Woodford; brother: Mr. Philbin (Vicki) Scott; and a host of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John's United Church in Columbia, MD. https://sjunited.org/online-giving/

A private visitation for the immediate family will be held at St. John United Church, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, on March 3, 2026, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am, followed by a public visitation for extended family members and friends from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. The Funeral Service will take place at St. John United Church beginning at 10:00 am. A committal service will be held at Columbia Memorial Park, 12005 Clarksville Pike, Columbia, MD 21029, at 12:00 pm.