Carlette Woods

Born in Pensacola, Florida to Carl and Ruby Woods, Carlette was the seventh of nine siblings. She grew up on a family farm where her days were filled with caring for animals, tending gardens, and helping with daily chores alongside her brother and sisters. Those early years shaped her lifelong appreciation for animals, plants, and hard work, and grounded her with the quiet strength and resourcefulness that would define her life. As she often proved, you can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl.

Carlette graduated from Tate High School Class of 1977, and followed her love of music to the University of Southern Mississippi where she played oboe and flute in the concert and marching bands. It was there that she met her life partner, Kimberly Kulig- a meeting that began a lifetime of love, partnership, and shared adventures.

A dedicated and driven professional, Carlette earned her CPA license and later a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas. She built an accomplished career as a respected Chief Financial Officer, lending her leadership and integrity to organizations including Kettle Restaurants, Marriott, Garden Ridge Pottery (At Home), Campus Living Villages, and others. Known for her honesty, intelligence, and straightforward approach, she was one of the hardest working women you could ever meet.

Though her career was impressive, her heart was always at home. Carlette and Kim built a beautiful life together in Houston, Texas, surrounded by their beloved “fur babies” who were as much family as anything else. She loved traveling and was always planning the next trip, dreaming up new places to explore. At home, she found joy in gardening, yard work, cooking, canning preserves, and fixing whatever needed fixing- skills she proudly carried with her from childhood.

Lovingly know as “Boo” to her family, Carlette loved fiercely and completely, never letting distance weaken her connection to those she cared about. She had a special way of making each niece, nephew, and great-niece and nephew feel seen and cherished.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Ruby Woods, and her sisters Constance Pollock, Helen Miller, Margaret Woods, Teresa Barnett, and Catherine Wild. She is survived by her partner Kimberly Kulig; her cherished fur babies- Izzy, Sasha, Bentley, Toby, and Boots; her siblings-Patricia Beaver and Carl Woods; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who will carry her love and memory forward.

Carlette’s strength, warmth, and unwavering dedication to the people and things she loved will be deeply missed and forever remembered.