Mary Woodward

Mary Woodward passed from this life on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 95. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert L. and Afton (Davis) Johnson, as well as both of her siblings, Hubert L. Johnson, Jr, and Jeanie Johnson Kadenac. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesse Donald “Don” Woodward (also known as “Woodie”) and a precious son, Jesse D. “Mudkat” Woodward, Jr.

Born April 17, 1930, in Birmingham, AL, little did anyone know at the time two days later her future husband of 62 years would be born in the same hospital putting the two infants together in the hospital nursery. Their mothers did not know each other and the future couple would not meet again for 13 years when Mary’s family moved to Adamsville, AL where Don’s family lived. They attended school together, graduated from Minor High School, and married on August 14, 1949.

In 1952 during the Korean War, Don enlisted in the Army and Mary began her 20 years as an Army Wife. While living in Germany during the late 1950s, Mary was eager for the family to take every opportunity to see Europe, traveling through Germany, Holland, France, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. She acted as a single parent during Don’s three combat tours, one in Korea and two separate tours in Vietnam. Ft. Benning became home base between other assignments and when Don’s retirement approached, Columbus became their permanent home. Once Don retired from the Army and began a second career at WRBL-TV, Mary had time to pursue other interests of her own beyond her long time involvement with PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, dance and music lessons, and marching band.

Always an avid seamstress and gardener, Mary had time to expand her mastery of both of those skills, she completed the UGA Extension Service Master Gardener’s course and her backyard

developed into a tropical garden. Don built a small greenhouse in their backyard and Mary spent many hours tending plants and puttering about. She learned many other types of sewing including lingerie and men’s tailoring. She helped found the GALA Quilt Guild of Columbus and Phenix City where she made many good friends with common interests.

When Mary became a grandmother, she took on the role with gusto. One morning after the first grandson spent the night, she asked what he wanted for breakfast. He thought and replied “ice cream.” His wish was granted! After the grandsons moved away from Columbus, they would visit often, and in summer, spend several days at a time with GMom and Granddad.

When anyone visited her home, the first question was usually “Are you hungry, how about something to eat?” Mary was a great and prolific cook, specializing in good, old-fashioned Southern dishes. She loved to bake all types of desserts and always had at least one type awaiting drop-in guests. Friends often received a cake or brownies when she visited them, because one of her life mottos was “Never visit empty handed.”

Mary was an unforgettable person with a very big heart and big sense of humor. She was often called “a real character” with a distinctive and memorable Southern accent. After her children

were grown and had left home, their various friends would often visit “Mother Mary” just to keep in touch, and in later years when she was alone, to see if she needed anything. She cherished and enjoyed those visits tremendously. Mary was always willing to help neighbors if she was able and it could do some good. In her later years, she said she made a very conscience effort to always have a smile on her face so she would not be “a grumpy faced old lady”

Mary is survived by daughter Yvonne W. Culpepper (Bill) of Flowery Branch, GA; daughter-in law, Lorena K. Woodward of Cataula, GA, also grandson, Tom Culpepper (Stephanie) along with three great-grandsons, Gabriel, Timothy, and James of Augusta, GA; and grandson Stephen Culpepper (Betsy) of Atlanta, GA; as well as five nieces and one nephew.

Family Visitation and Memorial service 2:00 pm Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Rd. Columbus, GA 31907 in the St. Elmo room. A private burial will be at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery on February 2, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Rd, Columbus, GA 31909 or Feeding the Valley, 6744 Flat Rock Rd, Midland, GA 3182 would be appreciated.