Wardae "Woodie" DeVier

Wardae "Woodie" DeVier

Wardae "Woodie" White DeVier, 94, of Hickory, passed away December 7, 2025 at her residence.

Born April 9, 1931, in Wilkes County, she was the daughter of the late Adolphus & Ina Coleman White.

Woodie was preceded in death by a son, Christopher C. DeVier; sisters, Ina Lee Hendren, Eloise Sale, Fern Albert, Margaret White & Geraldine Wooten; and brothers, Warren and Jack White.

After graduating from high school, she attended Hairdresser school in Winston Salem. Upon graduating, she worked as a stylist in the hospital, known today as Wake Forest Baptist. She then moved to Baltimore, Maryland, following her two sisters and brother; where she worked in her sister's salon for three years. Following her tenure there, she started her own hair salon, where she was very successful for twenty years.

After working in Baltimore, she followed her daughter back to North Carolina where she began her long career in ladies' fashion. She is said to have dressed many of the ladies in Hickory and sincerely enjoyed being a resource for their wardrobes! She made lasting and long friendships from her work.

Woodie's creativity showed up everywhere in her life-from the way she styled hair, to her fashion, to the way she'd suddenly rearrange her living room "just because." She loved gardening and filling her world with flowers. She cherished her special friends, with whom she shared playing cards, laughter, going to the movies and decades of memories .

At the heart of everything Woodie did was family. She often said, "Family's the most important thing," and lived those words every day. "Don't sweat the small stuff" was another one of her gentle reminders-advice she embodied with grace. Down to earth, easy to love, and anchored by her faith, Woodie carried a quiet strength that steadied those around her.

Music was woven deeply into Woodie's life. Coming from a musical family, she supported musicians and attended her family's performances. Her personality was infectious, full of warmth, humor and an uplifting spirit – touching and positively affecting everyone she met.

Woodie's legacy is one of love-love given freely, joy shared abundantly, and a life lived with purpose and heart. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her daughter, Jewel Chandler (Larry), of Hickory; grandchildren, Nicole Bailey (Liam), of Hickory, Chris Rogers (Katherine), of Hickory; great-grandchildren, Luke and Rose Rogers, and Thomas and Gracie Bailey, all of Hickory; and bonus daughter, Leigh Farrell (Mike), of Baltimore, MD.

A celebration of life service will be held Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Hickory with Pastor Paul Christy officiating. A receiving will follow in the fellowship hall. A private family graveside service will be held the following day.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Children's Ministries at First United Methodist Church, Hickory NC.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Woodie DeVier.