Ms. Della Francis Woodruff, "Dottie") 84, of Petersburg, VA, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at VCU/MCV Medical Center, Richmond, VA. She was born on March 23,1936 in Petersburg, VA. the daughter of the late Fred L. Woodruff, Sr. and Queen Cross Woodruff.

Della attended and graduated from Peabody High School and Virginia State College (University). She was employed for over thirty years at Kenner Hospital at Ft. Lee Virginia, where she was dearly loved by management, military personnel and co-workers and friends. While a Substitute Teacher at Petersburg High School, she encouraged and prayed for our youth in hopes of getting them to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and continue their education.

An active member of Oak Street A. M. E. Church, Petersburg, VA. She accepted her calling and her purpose in the ministry of the gospel. She loved composing music and playing the piano. She also loved being a volunteer, missionary and most of all a delegate traveling spreading the good news of the gospel and teaching with a smile. Della was a sports enthusiast, she loved watching the Washington Redskins. She loved to dress up and collect an assortment of hats.

Della is survived by her cousins, Mary Woodruff (late William J. Woodruff), Rev. Charles Woodruff (Carolyn), Anna Woodruff, William J. Woodruff (Tonetta), Brian Woodruff (Janice), Artrelle Spicely of Richmond, VA, Alexander Jones (Saundra), Carl E. Hite, Marvin Hubbard (Mattie) ; and several other cousins, other relatives and devoted friends. Della was preceded in death by her brother, Fred Lee Woodruff; cousins, William Woodruff, Douglas Woodruff, J. C. Woodruff, Fred Dean Woodruff; Julia Blueford, John M. Hite, Jr., Leon Hubbard, and Leroy Hubbard.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 24, 2021 in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Charles Woodruff, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

Please follow the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Progress-Index from Feb. 21 to Feb. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for DELLA WOODRUFF

Sponsored by J M Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. - Petersburg.

21 Entries

Joyce Miller Howard

February 14, 2025

I remember many days walking home from Peabody High School with Della. I lived much further from the school than she did.

Marsha blye

March 3, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ms.Woodruff. I remember her as a child growing up in that A.M.E.Zion Church. She was ever present as a teacher,and nurturer. She will never be forgotten for her gentle,& kind way. I pray God will bless you and keep you during this very difficult time.

Yvonne Jasper Brown

February 24, 2021

In loving memory of my dear friend.May you rest in peace! Our deepest sympathy to the family!
Yvonne Jasper Brown and The Brown Family

Cecil ( "CC") Terry

February 24, 2021

will miss you my friend!! I will cherish all those years in the lab, every coffee break, every gift opened, and the many laughs we shared. Rest in peace sweet lady til we meet again.

Sylvia E. Jones

February 24, 2021

To The Family
May God's Care and Comfort be with each of you. I will always remember Della's smile, her beautiful singing, her
friendliness as a neighbor and her love for teaching.

Claristinw Moore

February 23, 2021

My condolences to the family. Della was a kind person and always willing to share information. I will miss her.

Daryl Cumber Dance

February 22, 2021

I shall miss my beloved classmate from VSU. It was always a delight to see her during reunions. May her soul rest in piece,
Daryl Cumber Dance

Mary Wynn

February 22, 2021

How difficult it is when you didn't get the chance to say goodbye. Yet, the only hope we have is to know that God knows best. Della was a loving friend to my family and a loyal member of The Mighty Oak family for many years. She fulfilled her purpose; she lived to serve. She let her light shine and our God was glorified. So, family, though her life on earth has ended, let her memory be reflective of the light God put in each of you, and in each of us. Let our lights so shine that others may see our good works and, like Della, glorify our God in heaven. When we reflected, my daughter Connie and I found it comforting and a release to say goodbye. As you reflect, may you too find comfort in knowing she did what she could. She's now at rest and home at last in the everlasting arms of God our Father.

Frances Suggs

February 22, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We were good friends and classmates at Virginia State College (University) graduating in the class of 1957. I will always have sweet memories of her. My very best regards to her family.
Frances Croom Suggs

Joyce Miller Howard

February 22, 2021

Della and I went to Peabody High School together and Virginia State. We both studied Biology. Even though I relocated to New York City in 1957, Della and I stayed in touch with our notes at Christmas. I have no one to share memories of Peabody with now. I will sincerely miss her. Please accept my condolences.

Danielle Newman

February 21, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jeanne Johns Adkins

February 21, 2021

I met sweet kind Della at Peabody and always loved it when our paths crossed. Deepest sympathy to her family.

Stacie Thompson

February 21, 2021

The Thompson family extends their sympathies, prayers, and deepest condolences to the family. ~Stacie, Robyn, and Robert (Robbie)

Kathy West

February 20, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sandra Ruffin

February 19, 2021

My condolences to Ms. Della's family. We worked together in the 90's at Kenner Army Hospital and I would often find myself in her lab learning something different each time. Rest in peace. It's not good bye but see you later.

Shirley Curry

February 19, 2021

My Sympathy to the family at this time of sadness. I knew Della from Fort Lee Kenner hospital and Church Women United. A faithful servant.

TURNER SPENCER

February 19, 2021

What a lovely person and fellow biology major classmate! We both earned our B.S. degrees in 1957 and became eternal friends. I will always cherish her memory. May her life be blessed.

Aubrey Perry

February 19, 2021

Deepest sympathy on the passing of my schoolmate and friend. May she rest in peace.

Hattie Miller

February 18, 2021

To the family though words can do little to comfort you, may the thoughts and prayers of all those who love you help support you at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss. We will miss Della at the Church Women United of Va. In sympathy and Love Hattie Miller

Robert Mills

February 18, 2021

I hereby send profound condolences to the family regarding the Homegoing of your beloved Della. Della and I were classmates at Virginia State College (now University), graduating in the Class of 1957. Della had a lovely personality, to include an engaging smile. It truly was a joy to be in her presence. She was an enthusiastic supporter of her Alma Mater. I shall miss Della and treasure her memory. I shall keep the family in prayer.

Gloria Glass Tucker

February 17, 2021

My deepest expression of Sympathy to the Woodruff family in the passing of Della Frances. May she Rest In everlasting peace and love. Always , Gloria Glass Tucker and family..

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results