Abbie Wendel Woodson

Abbie Wendel Woodson, age 95, of Tuscaloosa died on March 27, 2023. A graveside family funeral service will be held at Elmwood cemetery in Birmingham on March 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation following the service at Christ Episcopal Church from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Abbie was predeceased by her loving husband The Reverend James Pettigrew Woodson Jr.. She is survived by their children Anna Elizabeth Woodson (Peter Barnett), Sarah Woodson James and James Pettigrew Woodson, III; her brother The Rev. David Wendel (Ruthy) and her sister Sally Naumann (Bob). She is also survived by seven grandchildren Windham Phillips (Tamara), Michael James, Sarah Beth Hahn (Bryan), Lee P. Phillips (Alesha), Merritt Crews (Dave) Mackenzie and Clayton Barnett; and seven great grand children Gillie, Chandler, and Brett Phillips, Blair and Trey Phillips, Woodson and Anderson Hahn.

Abbie was born in Tuscaloosa, graduated from Tuscaloosa High School and from the University of Alabama where she was a Kappa Kappa Gamma. Following her parents move to Birmingham, Abbie taught 1st grade and attended St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. It was at a church tea there that she would be introduced to the tall handsome man across the room whom she would later marry, Jim Woodson. Jim and Abbie enjoyed 64 years of married life and rearing 3 children.

Abbie began a kindergarten at Holy Trinity in Auburn. Abbie was a gifted teacher and parents would soon register their children for kindergarten as soon as they were born. She continued teaching kindergarten at Canterbury Chapel and later 1st grade until she retired.

Abbie loved gardening and created beautiful gardens where ever she lived. The extensive and peaceful garden she made over the course of 50 years in Tuscaloosa has been enjoyed by all who visited.

The highlight of each summer was to go to the cottage in Muskoka, Canada. Jim and Abbie absolutely loved spending time with family and friends on their beloved Wegamind Island. Wonderful memories are often shared by the family of good times at the cottage. Family was Abbie’s highest priority, a testament to which is all the stories of the ways in which “Mimi” took care of her grandchildren whether rocking them when they needed soothing, reading to them, patiently teaching them to cook, play games or just listening. She could always be counted on by her family.

Abbie had a life long love of learning and shared with Jim, a keen interest in contemporary theology. Following Jim’s retirement from Canterbury chapel in 1999, they began a study group shortly after joining Christ Church. The group which was given the name “The Woodson Group”, has been a source of longstanding fellowship, learning and exploration of faith.

Abbie lived her life in gratitude and thanksgiving for her faith, her family and her friends.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Fannie Bryant for the care and compassion she showed while caring for Abbie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Christ Episcopal Church Foundation or Hospice of West Alabama.