She was born in Rocky Mount, NC on December 19th, 1916, to Lucy Sullivan Woolard and E. William Woolard and was the second oldest of four sisters. Rachel graduated from Women's College of the University of NC in 1938 with a BA of Arts and Science, and she received her MA in Arts and Sciences from New York University in 1944. After graduating, she resided in Durham NC with her dear companion, Olive Brown.
Rachel taught in the public school system until retirement. She relocated to Wilmington in 1997 and resided with her sister, Margaret Thomas Woolard.
Rachel was a health, science and physical education teacher in the Durham NC area for over 40 years as well as an assistant principal. She was well respected and loved by students and teachers alike. Former students have frequently located her to express their appreciation for the impact she made upon their lives.
Rachel, "Red," lovingly named for her beautiful red hair, was co-owner of a beach house at Oak Island with her longtime friend Olive Brown, "Brown." She shared her love of the beach and nature with family and friends and the house was called, "Red and Brown."
Rachel imparted wisdom, humor and integrity to all with whom she came in contact. She was truly an amazing woman.
Rachel is survived by her younger sister, Margaret Thomas Woolard, of Wilmington, NC; her nieces Julie Soloway Poole, Susan Soloway Daul (Charles) and Bette Ipsen Soloway (Pete). She also is survived by seven great nieces and nephews as well as one great, great niece, as well as by the recently extended family of numerous, loving caregivers.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service, 3915 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 with Mrs. Allison Lairmore officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Rachel Geraldine Woolard’s honor to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
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