Estelle Woods

Estelle E. Woods PORTSMOUTH - Estelle Epps Woods of the 900 block of Cambridge Ave., died Nov. 26, 2008, in her residence. Born in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., she served as minister of True Vine Pentecostal Holiness Church. She was a former member of St. Paul Holiness Church and the widow of Dailey Woods. Survivors include a son, Richard D. Woods Sr.; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pastor Woods also leaves behind Chairman Deacon Thomas Britt, Trustee Cheryl Nicholson and Deacon Bobby Deberry, appointed by Pastor Woods to assist her in pushing True Vine members to continue to give God their best. Though her health had started to deteriorate, she never let it get her down and she always kept her spirit up - this is what a good leader is supposed to do. She counted on and leaned on her great niece, Cheryl Nicholson to be there for her. Cheryl accepted Pastor Estelle Woods' request and incorporated the help of RN Renee Britt, RN Rosa Ward, Brenda Dunn, Cynthia Sykes, Katie Britt, Gloria Brown and Angela Clack to care to, ease and comfort Pastor Woods to the best of their ability. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Portsmouth, by Bishop Eli Ratcliff Sr. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake. Viewing will begin Sunday at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends Sunday from 4 to 5 p.m. The body will be in the church Monday at 10 a.m. Fisher Funeral Home, 1520 Effingham St., Portsmouth, is in charge.