Woodrow Whidden

Woodrow Whidden, 81, passed peacefully at home in Berrien Springs on Nov. 11, 2025, beside his loving wife, Margaret, after a full life.

Known for his big voice, rich southern drawl, humor and a vocabulary filled with obscure words and sayings, Woody enjoyed long conversations with friends, family and anyone he met.

Born in Orlando, Fla., to Woodrow and Helen Whidden, he grew up in Titusville, Fla. From a young age, he worked as a beekeeper alongside his father and brothers, supplying honey and royal jelly to visitors at the family's roadside stand on Old US 1.

He attended Titusville High School before graduating from Forest Lake Academy, Apopka, Fla., in 1963; Southern Missionary College, Collegedale, Tenn., in 1967; and Andrews University, Berrien Springs, in 1969, where he met the love of his life.

Woody married Margaret Gibbs on Oct. 26, 1969. As their family grew, he served as the pastor of Seventh-day Adventist churches in Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Michigan before earning his Ph.D. from Drew University in 1989.

In 1990, he began his tenure at Andrews University as professor of religion and in 2006 at AIIAS Theological Seminary in Philippines, capping his career as an author, teacher and scholar.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; three children: Jamie, Jonathan (Zelda) and Laura (Cory) Wetterlin; six grandchildren; brothers: Ivan (Phyllis) and Phillip; sister Sylvia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home.