Georgia Lee Woods passed away peacefully to heaven surrounded by family on January 18, 2021. She was born in Huntsville, Texas (Bedias) on February 23rd to Viola Churchwell Stewart and Gus Stewart, Sr. She was one of seven children. She grew up in Houston in 4th Ward, attended Gregory Elementary School, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She was married to Allie Woods, Sr. who passed away in 2008. They were the parents of two children.
She began her teaching career in 1956 as an Assistant Teacher at the Smith Kindergarten School under Mrs. Mercie B. Smith in Houston’s 4th ward, formerly located in the 900 block of Andrews St. After Mrs. Smith retired in 1958, the community begged Mrs. Woods to take over the school. In the 1950s, very few African American women branched out to launch a business venture. She accepted the challenge and became the director of her own school. The Woods’ Kindergarten was started in September 1958 in 4th ward at the Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church then located at 1005 Robin St. As an inspiring and passionate educator, she gave her students a good foundation, many of whom grew up to become business owners, teachers, lawyers, medical professionals, peace officers, ministers, musicians, civic leaders, among other professions. She retired in 1994 after 36 years and was honored with a Proclamation from the City of Houston (from the late Mayor Bob Lanier) and a Parade in 4th Ward. She was honored by the Booker T. Washington HS Alumni in 2007. In 1995, she was honored at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony during which the Georgia Lee Woods Homeless Emergency Shelter in 4th Ward (then on Saulnier St.) was named after her. She was a member of the Queen of Sheba Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star-Miriam Chapter #88 since 1970, and also a former Den Mother for the Cub Scouts
Mrs. Woods was a true Christian and demonstrated that on a daily basis. As a young child, she was in awe of her uncle, Rev. Joseph P. Churchwell who was a longtime minister of Jerusalem Baptist Church in the 3rd ward, and followed his teachings by working diligently in several churches in Houston. She always dreamed as a child of playing the piano. Her family was unable to afford piano lessons, but she was determined to learn. Because of her determination, she earned money from odd jobs to help pay for a mail-order self-instruction piano series, from which she learned to play the piano, and later the organ. She was a pianist at several Houston churches. She held dual memberships at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church where she was a choir musician for 25 years for the Youth Choir, Men’s Chorus, and Sr. Choir, and was the Principal of Vacation Bible School. She later joined The Fountain of Praise.
She was a lover of life, enjoyed parties, dressing up, all the holidays, especially Christmas, and loved to travel around the USA accompanying her husband on many Masonic and pleasure trips. After retirement, she continued traveling with her daughter and grandchildren, going on a cruise, attending church, playing the piano, eating out, going to banquets, attending musicals and productions at The Ensemble Theatre where she was an annual Subscriber.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, six siblings, and her son-in-law Arthur Wilson. She is survived by two children; Allie Woods, Jr (NYC) and Linda Woods Wilson (Houston), four grandchildren; Allyson Beverly Woods (NYC), Jordan Mims Woods (Houston), Annise Georgette Wilson, M.D. (Houston), and Alauna Woods Wilson (NYC), sister-in-law Johnnie M. Woods, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring to contribute may donate in Georgia Woods’ honor to YWCA-Meals on Wheels, The Ensemble Theatre Houston, the JCC Senior Companion Program, or a charity of your choice.
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