Edward Woods Jr. Berrien Springs, Michigan Obituary

Edward Woods Jr.

Edward Woods, Jr. of Berrien Springs passed away suddenly on Dec. 9, 2016 at home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16 (viewing at 10 a.m.) at the Highland Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Highland Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church (2075 Highland Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or the Oakwood University National Alumni Association (Attn: Edward Woods, Jr. Memorial Fund, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896). Arrangements by Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs. www.allredfuneralhome.com. Edward was born Aug. 21, 1945 in Benton Harbor, the youngest child and only son of Edward and Lillie Ann Woods. On July 27, 1969, he married Edith (Sloan) Woods. As a result of his parents’ commitment to Christian education, he attended the Edith B. Garrett Elementary School in Benton Harbor, Emmanuel Missionary College Academy (now Andrews Academy) in Berrien Springs, and Oakwood University (formerly Oakwood College) in Huntsville, Ala. where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in sociology in 1968. He furthered his education by earning a Master of Arts in counseling education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, and Education Specialist degree in educational leadership from Wayne State University in Detroit. He served as a teacher and administrator in the Benton Harbor Area Schools for nearly 32 years. Upon retiring, he worked for five years as superintendent of education for Lake Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Chicago. Throughout his professional career, he received numerous awards and recognitions, which include Exemplary Administrator and Educator for Benton Harbor Area Schools, Presidential Citation for the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, and other church, community and civic awards. He was a lifelong member of the Highland Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church where he held numerous positions such as Home and School Leader, deacon, and elder. He also served as president of the Oakwood University National Alumni Association for nine years. Prior to becoming president, he served for three years as vice-president of the National Alumni Association, and president of his local alumni chapter.  He is survived by his wife, Edith Sloan Woods; his children: Edward III (Donnarie) of Grand Ledge, Mich., Brian (Gina) of Cordova, Tenn. and Trishonda of Berrien Springs; his grandchildren, Megan and Michael Woods of Grand Ledge; his sisters: Peggy (Scott) Hunter of Justin, Tex., Eddie Akande of Takoma Park, Md., Elizabeth Woods of Benton Harbor; his sister-in-law, Shirley Sloan of Baltimore, Md.; nephews: Christopher (Pam) Hunter of Frisco, Tex., Stanford (Nita) Hunter of Dallas, David Hunter of Seattle, Wash., Edwin Akande of Huntsville, Ala.; nieces: Cheryl Sloan and Tonya Hamlin of Baltimore, Md., Tanga Hudson of Atlanta, Ga., Jolayemi (Kabelo) of Takoma Park, Md., and Omoleye Rike Akande of Takoma Park. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and several adopted sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lillie Ann Woods; father-in-law, Turner Sloan; mother-in-law, Jean Sloan; brother-in-law, Dan Akande; and sister-in-law, Barbara Dorsey. Visitation: Highland Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church 2075 Highland Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Funeral: Highland Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church 2075 Highland Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
August 21, 1945 - December 9, 201608/21/194512/09/2016
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Cynthia Pugh
December 23, 2016
My Prayers are with the family.
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Dorothy E McDonald
December 16, 2016
My Prayers go to the family
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Geraldine Knox
December 16, 2016
Edward was a man of great character, he will be  always remembered as a very nice person. I'm praying that God will strengthen his family during this very difficult time. Geraldine Knox
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Byron Napper
December 16, 2016
My love and compassion to each of Woody's family members.  Extremely saddened to hear about his  passing.  My prayer is for God's immediate and full blessings to come your way.
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Carole Hill
December 16, 2016
What a shock to see that one of my classmates has passed away.  Ed was always so kind and happy.  He was always so concerned about my well fair and my salvation.  We have lost a good and faithful servant.  Rest in peace and hope to see you in the earth made new.
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Kathy Schermer
December 16, 2016
Liz & Family, Thoughts & prayers to all of you.
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Verna West
December 16, 2016
To Edith and the rest of the family - I am very sorry to hear of Woodie's death.  May you be comforted by the wonderful memories of a kind and loving man.  Be assured that you will see him again and the ties will not be broken then.  My thoughts and prayers are with all ... Continue Reading
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RONALD & DAN ETHEL SMITH JONES
December 16, 2016
We were deeply saddened to learn of Woody's passing. Even while residing here in the Washington, DC area, we would have attended the funeral but we were just returning from an 11-hour flight from Hawaii on Friday. He was truly a man among men and definitely left his prod... Continue Reading