Lynda Joyce Woodman

Mrs. Lynda J. Woodman, age 72, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 1, 2012. Lynda was a loving, thoughtful, prayerful, hardworking and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and moved to Flint, Michigan at age 3, where she lived throughout her childhood. She attended college at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where she sang in the Moody choir. Shortly thereafter, she met her beloved husband, Larry, and on October 17, 1970, they were married at Greenlake Bible Church and moved to the Grand Rapids area. During her college days and early marriage years, she had a passion working as a cook and camp counselor at Pine Ridge, formerly known as Jack and Jill Bible Camp. Lynda was also a school bus driver, dental hygienist assistant, and secretary for a CPA during those years before having children. Over the years, she was an active member at Northland Baptist Church, and she loved sewing, cooking, going on family vacations throughout most of the United States, and music, especially the Gaithers. However, Lynda’s greatest legacy was likely her unwavering love for the Lord and for her family, and was most visibly evidenced through her servant heart and caring for her children. Larry and Lynda abundantly loved their five biological children, three adopted children, and over forty children in foster care with specialized medical and mental health needs, that they tenderly and selflessly cared for in their home. Lynda is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Larry; her children Ann (Chris) Leaver, Amy Woodman, Andrew (Kimberly) Woodman, Alison (Brian) Haraburda, Aaron Woodman, Austin (Erica) Woodman, and Alan Woodman; and cherished grandchildren: Joshua, Daniel, Timothy, Sarah, and Paul Leaver, Glenn and Rachel Haraburda, Eliana and Everett Woodman, and two grandbabies due in November. She was preceded in death by her son, Alex Simon; her sister, Nellie McCullough; and her dear parents, Arlie and Hester Smith. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ for Mrs. Woodman will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Northland Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, with Pastor Ron Workman officiating. Interment in Marne Cemetery in Marne, MI. Relatives and friends may meet the family at Reyers North Valley Chapel 2815 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial to NorthPointe Christian Schools, 3101 Leonard St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525.