Edwinna Woodward

July 17, 1920 - October 15, 2013 Edwinna Williams Woodward went to be with our Lord and Savior on October 15, 2013. She was born July 17, 1920 in Durant, Oklahoma, the youngest of three children born to Robert Edward and Viola (Bowman) Williams. Edwinna grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1938. During WWII, while working as a secretary to the Commanding Officer and responsible for records in the medical wing, Edwinna had the privilege of interviewing 1st Lt. Stanley Woodward. During the course of the interview, Lt. Woodward told Ms. Williams about a car he had just purchased and asked if she would like to take a ride to Mountainburg area in the Ozarks. That was the simple beginning of a beautiful love story that spanned over 60 years. Edwinna and Stanley were married on February 3, 1946 and moved to Los Angeles where Stan began his medical residency. As a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserves, Stan went on to become a prominent physician in the Los Angeles community. Edwinna enjoyed accompanying him on house calls, extending her love, compassion and friendship to hundreds of his patients, as well. Edwinna was a very loving, involved parent. As president of the Parent Teachers Association, she was awarded Honorary Lifetime Membership in the PTA, the highest honor in the country. She was also a Cub Scout Den Leader, Girl Scout and Brownie Leader and actively supported all the many activities in which her children participated. She was a vital member of the community and generously supported the Native American School, the Republican Party, United States Military Veterans and the American Diabetes Association. In addition to raising a family, Edwinna was a member of Faith Tabernacle Church and a very talented and passionate pianist and organist. She immensely enjoyed playing both instruments at church for more than 66 years. Under the leadership of Edwinna as Musical Arts Director, the church choir and cantatas appeared on television multiple times. Edwinna invested in people and taught her children to do the same. Lifelong friendships were formed through her church and family ties as well as in the community. Throughout her life, she was a great encourager and communicator. She was continuously sought out by young people for her insight, wisdom and genuine interest in them and the choices they made in their lives. Edwinna left a legacy of faith, love and an incredible passion for music. Her family is committed and honored to carry that legacy forward. Edwinna is greatly loved and profoundly missed by her three children, Nancy Woodward; Robert Woodward and William (Anne) Woodward; four grandchildren, Holden, Dillon, Larken and Tristen Woodward as well as nephews, Frank Westmoreland Jr.; Arthur (Coree) Westmoreland and John (Karen) Williams Jr. Her beloved husband, Stanley, went to be with our Lord in 2006. We will celebrate Edwinna's life with a memorial service on November 1st at 1 pm at Faith Tabernacle Church in West Los Angeles with Pastor Loren Hicks officiating. Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica. Immediately following interment, the family will welcome friends at a celebratory reception. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be given to the American Diabetes Association.