Emogene Sorrells Woodall

Emogene Sorrells Woodall was born in Smyrna, Georgia on February 11th 1928. She was the eldest of 5 children born to Gus and Maggie Sorrells. She was 98 years old when she passed peacefully into heaven from Jacksonville, Florida on July 9th 2026.

Emogene was preceded in death by the love of her life, husband, J.C. Woodall; her grandson, Matthew Slate; Son-in-law, Tom Dent; and sister, Joann Hockman.

She is survived by her beloved siblings, Edith Melton, Beverly West, Harold Sorrells; her daughters, Shelley Dent and Laurie Tidwell (Chip); her granddaughter, Lindsey Mitrook (Mike); her 3 grandsons, Beau Buchanan (Chrissie), B.J. Buchanan and Cole Crouse; and her 4 great grandchildren. She is “Aunt Gene” to many nieces and nephews, and “Grammy” to her grandchildren and all their friends.

Emogene was raised in Jacksonville, Florida and attended local schools, graduating from Landon High School Class of 1946. After J.C. served in the U.S. Army during WWII, they married and lived in Gainesville while he obtained his degree from University of Florida. Their love of the Florida Gators was passionate and lifelong.

At the time of her death, she was a member of Aspire Church where she attended with her friends from Baptist Towers. She was a life member of the Hogan Baptist Church Family where she accepted Christ at a young age and forged many special lifelong friendships. She retired as Church Secretary of Hogan Baptist Church after 20 years of faithful service where she was affectionately known as “Miss Emogene”

Emogene met J.C. at Hogan Baptist Church, where both attended with their parents and siblings from a young age. They both sang in the choir, rang hand bells, and served the Lord in many capacities over the years. They married on July 3rd 1947 and celebrated 61 years of marriage prior to J.C’s death in 2008.

Emogene’s alto voice joined in harmony with her brother and sister’s as they sang their favorite gospel songs to the delight of many at church and family gatherings. She also enjoyed playing the piano and organ. She leaves a legacy of faith and love to her family and friends. Especially to Matthew, Lindsey, Beau, B.J. and Cole you were Grammy’s greatest gifts.

Her loving family will receive friends at Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home at 4300 Beach Blvd on Tuesday, July 14th after 9am with a Celebration of Life to follow at 10am with Pastor David Hill officiating. Private Gravesite reserved for family.

Our family would like to recognize and give special thanks to Bessie and Shirley of Community Hospice as well as the staff of Taylor Care Center for your support and wonderful loving care.