Mary Frances Woodard

Mary Frances Woodard

Faith, Family, and a Legacy of Love

We celebrate the life of Mary Frances Woodard, a woman of unwavering faith, boundless love for her family, and quite strength.

Affectionately known as Mary Frances by her mother, Mary was born on October 24, 1957, in Midland Texas, to Jewell and Willie Woodard. Mary is survived by two sisters, Tina Marie, and Lori Ann, and three brothers William Robert, Thomas Michael, and Kevin Joseph. Another brother, Jasper Leon, preceded her in death in 2021. Her parents moved the family to Denver, Colorado in 1965. She spent most of her life in the Mile High City.

Mary attended Columbine Elementary School, Merrill Middle School, and graduated from South High School in 1975.

Mary’s life was not without suffering. She had two children, Angela Woodard and Kevin Johnson. Both proceeded her in death. Angela in 1978 and Kevin in 2001. However, she never let it define her. She chose love over despair, faith over fear, and perseverance over surrender. Through the hardships she faced, through every loss and heartache, she found the courage to keep moving forward. She was a living testament to resilience; never bitter, never defeated, always pressing on with hope in her heart.

Mary’s love for God was the foundation of her life. She walked in faith through every joy and sorrow, thrusting that even in the darkest times, she was never alone. Her devotion was not just something she spoke of; it was something she lived. One of her favorite hobbies was writing in her Christian journals. Having a debate with her about the Bible was a losing proposition. She embodied kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, always striving to reflect God’s love in the way she treated others.

Family was the heart of who Mary was. She cherished those closest to her, offering endless love, support, and wisdom. She was an active participant in the family’s daily text thread, and together with her sister Tina, inherited the Bingo addiction from her mother.

To her friends, Mary was a beacon of light. She had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. She often used the word AWESOME!!! when describing someone. Her easy nature made her a joy to be around. Every conversation with her was filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine interest.

Today, we do not just mourn her passing, we celebrate the life she lived. Mary, we miss you. But we will carry your love forward, just as you carried so many of us. And we take comfort in knowing that, at last, you are at peace, embraced by the God you loved so dearly.