Mrs. Gladys Marie Woods

Obituary It is with great joy that we celebrate, not mourn, the “Home Going” of Gladys Marie Henry Woods. She brought love and joy into our lives and is so deserving of a celebration as we envision her resting in the arms of JESUS. We, her children, siblings, grandchildren, godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbors and friends, have a lifetime of memories and stories embedded in our hearts and minds. Let’s live our lives so that we may be rewarded everlasting life. The ultimate reward of living with Christ is the opportunity to see her again. Gladys was born on January 16, 1938, to the late Walter Henry Sr and Amy Jean Henry. She was the fifth of twelve and lived 86 years. She departed this life on August 12, 2024, at 3:50 AM. Gladys married her best friend, Malcolm Andrew Woods on July 20, 1963. From this union, two children were born: Stephen and Carlene. During her dash (-) between 1938 and 2024, Gladys was not only a wife, mother, grandmother, and sister figure, but a profound source where she provided a listening ear to so many. She often reminded us that she was proud of her twelfth-grade education, which at that time was not easy to achieve. The stories she told were as clear as if she was painting a picture with her words; telling us about the miles walked in bad weather which included rain and sleet as she went to school. Gladys was the Historian of many families. If someone needed the dots to be connected on the family tree, she was the one with the answers. She knew a lot and shared the history and a multitude of wisdom with anyone who asked. The one thing she was consistent and steadfast about was prayer. She prayed and called out names. She asked our Lord and Savior to allow her to see her children grow up and live on their own. Her prayers were indeed answered. Between 1938 – 2024, Gladys was affectionately known as Mom, My Momma, Grammy, Aunt Gladys, Nanny, Mrs. Woody, Cousin Gladys, Mrs. Woods, Boss Lady, Sista and Mrs. Gladys. Her all-time favorite name was “My Road Dog”, use by Amy. The words we will always remember coming from Our Queen’s mouth is: “Always stick together”, “I love you more”, and “Hey my baby”. She leaves to cherish her memory: one son, Stephen Woods of Opelousas, LA; one daughter, Carlene Dartez of Cankton, LA; an honorary son; Kent Olivier of Lafayette, LA,; one daughter-in-law, Stephanie Woods; and one son-in-law, Ronnie Dartez; three sisters; Sister Rose Fatima Henry of New Orleans, LA; Helen Francis (Curtis) of Houston, TX; Shirley Gross (Dave) of Hattiesburg, MS; one brother, Jimmy Henry (Aliene) of Elsberry, MO; one granddaughter; Amy Dartez; two grandsons, Shawn and Seth Woods; two godchildren; Edith Guidry and Bridget Briscoe, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents Walter Henry Sr and Amy Jean Henry; her husband, Malcolm Andrew Woods; her seven siblings; Gloria Brown, Clement Henry, Clayton Henry, Walter Henry Jr., Janell Henry, William Henry and Theresa Sue Henry; one godchild; James Kevin Brown. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 17, 2024 at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church in Cankton, LA. Visiting hours will be observed from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. A Rosary will be recited at 9:00 AM. Interment will be in St. John Berchmans Catholic Church Cemetery. Share words of comfort with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.

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Mrs. Gladys Marie Woods

January 16, 1938 - August 12, 2024