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Martha Woods Obituary
YANCEYVILLE, N.C. - With her family by her side, Martha Wilkinson Woods, age 71, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2008, at Danville Regional Medical Center. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina on May 23, 1937, she was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. William Edgar Wilkinson and Mattie Sue Taylor Wilkinson.
Martha is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Andy Green Woods; son Andy Green Woods, Jr. and wife Catherine; daughter Susan Woods Granson and husband Patrick; grandchil-dren Elizabeth Ann Granson and Rachel Katherine Granson; brother William Spotswood Wilkinson and wife Joan; uncle James Clair Wilkinson and wife Annie Laurie; brother-in-law John Burton Woods and wife Jeanette; niece Amy Jeanette Woods; nephews John Burton Woods, Jr., Wil-liam Stinson Woods and Michael Scott Woods.
Martha graduated in 1959 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and later completed graduate work at UNC, the University of Virginia and Hampton University. She spent over 30 years as a teacher and tennis coach at George Washington High School in Danville. During her tenure, her tennis teams won numerous Western District and Northwest Region titles and she was named State and Regional Coach of the Year in 1980, 1985 and 1994. She also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Virginia Coaches Association in 1991, the Gatorade Coaches Care Award in 1992, a State Career and Milestone Award in 1993 and in 1998 she was inducted into the Danville Register and Bee Sports Hall of Fame. But the highlight of her 30 year coaching career at George Washington High School was her association with the players. She loved watching the girls grow into capable tennis players and young women.
A sports enthusiast, Martha was a swimmer in high school at Calvin Coolidge High School in Washington, DC where she swam AAU for Walter Reed Hospital Swim Club. During her four years of competitive swimming she was on teams that won four National AAU Championship titles. In 1953 she was a member of the freestyle mile relay that held the world record, a record that has since been broken. In 1955 she placed 6th in the country and 10th in the world in the breaststroke.
Martha was also an avid Tar Heel fan. Due to the generosity of dear friends, she was able to attend many home football and basketball games over the years. She was excited that the 2008 football team is bowl eligible and that the 2008-2009 men's basketball team is ranked #1 in pre-season polls. Go Heels!
The family wishes to thank the friends who supported Martha with their many acts of loving kindness during her struggle with rheumatoid arthritis. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and sister who will be lovingly remembered by her family. A visitation to celebrate Martha's life will be held at Townes Funeral Home on November 14th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM and at other times at the residence. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 15th at 11:00 AM, Purley United Methodist Church, 4011 Old NC Highway 86 North.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 3805 Cutshaw Avenue, Suite 200, Richmond, Virginia 23230.
Arrangements are entrusted to Townes Funeral Home, 215 West Main Street, Danville, Virginia 24541.
Sign the guest book at www.GoDanRiver.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Martha Woods
Cyril Sellers
November 23, 2008
Andy and Family,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. I know she will never be replaced in your heart! May each of you find peace in the days to come and may God lay his prayers upon you.
Wyona Paxton Witcher
November 19, 2008
To the Woods Family,
Mrs Woods was my PE teacher/class of 70 GWHS, and we all wanted to be like her. She was beautiful, intelligent and caring. Mrs Woods had a marked effect on each student as she recognized us as individuals. It was teachers like her who inspired me to become the professional I am today. She set the proper example for us to continue. I am gareatful for her inspiration.
Rose Satterfield
November 19, 2008
Dear Andy and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy and my prayers for you and your family on the loss of your Wife, Mother and Grandmother. You were all certainly blessed to have her. Love, Rose Satterfield
James Williams
November 16, 2008
It deeply saddens me for the loss of Martha. She was not only a good Tennis competitor, but a fine person. She will be missed by many of her friends and students. Jim(bo) Williams
Michael Harper
November 15, 2008
I am sorry I could not be there in person to share in your sorror as we have in the joys of the past. All my love and best to all of the Woods family now and always.
Gene (Ace) Holland
November 15, 2008
Andy
I am sorry to learn that your wife died. I did not know her but I am inpressed by her achievements as noted in the obituary.
I enjoyed seeing you at the recent dinner in Danville. Maybe we will have another one.
Natalie Werber (nee Wilner)
November 15, 2008
Please accept my sincerest condolences. I knew Martha in High School in Washiington, D.C. and from my fond memories of her, I am not surprised, and am gratified to learn, that she went on to have such a full and happy life.
Sandra, Brent, Gary, Paulette & Don Holloway
November 14, 2008
We, The Holloways Our Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John 14:18
November 14, 2008
My deepest condolences to Andy and the family of Martha. She left a lasting legacy.
John Royster
Richmond, VA
robert wondrack
November 14, 2008
A dear friend, neighbor , and confidante during our growing-up formative highschool years. Our prayers and condolences are being beamed to her family and loved ones from our home. Our grandson (5 ) tells us to pick out the star in the heavens that is your friend..... which we will do tonight.
Bob & Mae Wondrack
Jeanne Riddick West
November 14, 2008
Mr. Woods, Andy and Susan,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers
Robin Pleasant Fox
November 14, 2008
Andy, Susan and little Andy,
My deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time. I will always remember Martha and her lust for life. She will be deeply missed in the Purley community and beyond.
Lynne Dellis
November 14, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mrs. Woods. She was a very special lady. In addition to being a great teacher and tennis coach, she was also a great listener when her students needed her. She touched many lives including mine.
(Class of '84)
aimee barker
November 14, 2008
Andy, Andy, Susan and Family,
I had Martha as a teacher at GW. she was a very sweet and caring person. i remember when I told her who I was at school the first day or two of class, she always took extra time with me. She treated me very special. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Martha touched a lot of people and will never be forgotten. My dad and I would like to thank you'll for all your love and prayers during our time.
Love,
Jim Brandon & Aimee Barker
Sam Cooper & Family
November 14, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Ellen Bolton Burke
November 14, 2008
Mrs. Woods was an inspiration to me on and off the court. Not only was she a wonder teacher and coach, but a good friend also. My condolences to the family.
Beverly Lynch and family
November 14, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
kathy jones-watson
November 14, 2008
Susan,
Sorry to hear about the lost of your mother. We(79,80 Girls Basketball and Volleyball teams) enjoyed being around her and Pam Reynolds. She was like our second coach. Your family is in my prayers and remember that she is in GOD's hands.
Kathy Jones-Watson-GW Class of 1980
Rita Moore
November 14, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss.You are in my heart and prayers.
Tim Robinson
November 14, 2008
As a 1981 graduate of GWHS, this is a special person that we knew all too well. She always had a kind word to say to get us on our way to adulthood. She was awfully proud of the many students lives that she touched over the years. Rest in Peace dear angel! We'll see you again.
Terry (Bartee) Wright (Class of '73)
November 14, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go to the family of "Mrs. Woods". She was my homeroom teacher for the 4 years I attended George Washington High School and truly made an impact on my life. Never too busy to listen and to joke around. She will surely be missed.
Rich Tompkins
November 13, 2008
Martha was a great lady. I know of her through her involvement with the Virginia High School Coaches Association and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. Our thoughts are with you. Rich Tompkins; Michigan High School Coaches Association
BARBARA WRENN
November 13, 2008
DEAR MR.WOODS ,ANDY AND SUSAN,
I'M SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MRS.WOODS . SHE WAS A GREAT TEACHER. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Laura Delgadillo
November 13, 2008
Dear Woods Family - Mrs. Woods was very special to many of us. She will be greatly missed.
Vicki Jenkins
November 13, 2008
Andy,Susan and Andy,
I was so blessed to have known Martha. She was such a great friend to me while I was at GW. She was so supportive and always there. She was a special person and will be missed. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Angela Burton Cotton
November 13, 2008
To the Woods Family:
My father, Tommy, will be with you for the services. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy Casey
November 13, 2008
Susan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your mom was always so much fun to be around!
With Deepest Sympathy,
Susan Helderman
November 13, 2008
Susan, Patrick, Elizabeth, and Rachel,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mom and grandmother. I will always remember the girl's grandma walking down the halls of McKee to pick up the girls. What a sweet lady! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Your friends,
Susan, Russ, Alexis,
and Russell
Marilyn Myers
November 13, 2008
Andy and Cathy...please accept my heartfelt sympathy...I care about you two so much and my wish is for God to keep His hand upon you in your time of need and give you much comfort....
Ray Broadaway
November 13, 2008
Martha was a breath of fresh air!
She will be missed! Thanks for being a coach and thanks for all you did for young people!!
RAY BROADAWAY
GEORGIA ATHLETIC COACHES ASSN.
Steve Bailey
November 13, 2008
The Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association sends you our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for a wonderful career of leading young people.
Trish Mitchell
November 13, 2008
As my heart is heavy at the moment, I know that the wonderful times Martha and I shared all over the U.S. attending coaching conventions will be with me always. Martha was a great friend, confident and colleague for thirty years! What a lady! And could she shop!!! May God Bless you--each one of her family. Hold on to the happy memories she made for you. She loved her family!
Emily Smith Cassidy
November 13, 2008
Mrs. Woods was my high school tennis coach. She was a great coach who inspired me to continue playing in college. She will always be a part of my greatest memories on the court and in high school! She will greatly be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Emily Smith Cassidy
JJ Jones
November 13, 2008
Susan, thinking of you and your family. May the many wonderful memories and the beautiful legacy of living each day to the fullest as your mom shared with you keep you strong as you go forward.
CHRIS MOSES
November 13, 2008
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YA'LL .I WAS GLAD TO KNOW HER . SHE WAS A VERY GOOD ROLL MODEL FOR EVERYONE SHE WILL BE MISSED
SINCERLY CHRIS MOSE AND THE MOSE FAMILY
Renee Schultz
November 13, 2008
Martha brought joy to everyone and will be missed by all that knew her. She was a long distance friend and mentor. She was such an asset to the coaching profession and a true leader. May time heal your pain and fond memories replace the loss.
November 13, 2008
Our sympathy and prayers are with you.
The Prospect United Methodist Church Family
Anne Moore-Sparks (Class of 1983)
November 13, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
aleta dalton
November 13, 2008
i am sorry to hear about mrs woods dying. she was a great teacher to me.
Jerry Wyatt
November 13, 2008
Andy. I was sorry to read of Martha's death but you can be sure she lived a full life.You and her were always so nice to Dawn and i at the german club and will always be fondly remembered.Jerry Wyatt
Dr. Paul Grekos & Staff
November 13, 2008
Dear Woods Family,
Martha will be dearly missed. She touched so many lives over the years. We will miss her smile and her hugs. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Crane Family
November 13, 2008
Susan and family,
Please accept our condolences - your family has been (and will continue to be) in our prayers & thoughts. Only time and fond memories can help ease the pain after such a loss. May God grant your family strength, faith, peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Love,
Jeff, Sheila, Scott & Matt
James Howard
November 13, 2008
When I entered G.W. in the Fall of 1990, I was terrified of taking a high school gym class. I had visions of being bullied, smelly locker rooms, and mean teachers. I didn't know what to expect from the "Woods" listed on my schedule. She was, without a doubt, the kindest and most understanding teacher anyone could have. I have always had the utmost respect for her and am greatly saddened that she is gone. My thoughts are with her family.
Jeff Dougherty
November 13, 2008
She was a wonderful teacher, coach and person. My prayers are with the family.
Jeff Williams
November 13, 2008
Susan, Very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
henley bidgood cleary
November 13, 2008
As one of Martha's devoted tennis players I want to express my sincere condolences to Andy, Susan and Andy. "Mrs. Woods" fills my memories of tennis whether it was coaching in high school or always being willing to "hit a few" in 90+ weather on a summer afternoon. To me she was beauty and grace both on and off the court. She had a way of making each of us feel special. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. Sincerely, Henley
Mike WARD
November 13, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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Townes Funeral Home & Crematory - Danville215 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541
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