Leila Lovejoy Woods, daughter of the late Willie L. McQueen Lovejoy and Bill Lovejoy, was born on February 25, 1932, in Goshen, Alabama. She was educated in the public schools of Pike County, Alabama, and graduated as the Valedictorian of the Goshen High School Class of 1951.

At an early age, Leila confessed Christ as her Savior under the leadership of Rev. J. C. Sellers at Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Goshen, Alabama. After moving to Florida in 1958, she joined Union Chapel AME Church, where she remained a devoted and faithful member until her passing. She served in the Senior Choir for over 50 years, dedicating her time and talents to worship and service until her health began to decline.

Leila was united in holy matrimony to the late Deacon Clifford Woods in Troy, Alabama, on September 21, 1952. Their union was blessed with eight children. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, two of their children, Ernestine and Harmon, and a grandson, Demetri.

She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters: Willie Mae Pendleton of Quincy, FL, and Gayle (Charles) Edwards of Jacksonville, FL; four sons: Clifford (Avis) Woods of Quincy, FL, Billy Woods of Chattahoochee, FL, Jeffrey (Debra) Woods of Lake City, FL, and Herbert Woods of Tampa, FL. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Linda Moye Woods of Jacksonville, FL; one sister, Shirley Ann (Roger) Williams of Hamilton, OH; and one sister-in-law, Mattie Woods of Troy, AL.

Her legacy continues through seventeen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, goddaughters, including Sue Ellen White and Tina Moultry, and special friends Shirley Thomas, Martha Boyd, Gwen Wilson, Ella Paul, Lenzy Reed, Edgar Williams, Kenny Thigpen, and Morris Thomas.

Leila Lovejoy Woods lived a life of faith, service, and love, touching the hearts of many with her unwavering spirit. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

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