Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT 2/26/1998

Hattie G. Woods

Oct. 23, 1901 - Feb. 23, 1998

Mrs. Hattie Griffin Woods was born on Oct. 23, 1901, in Port Gibson, Miss. She passed on Monday, Feb. 23, at the age of 96. She was the second youngest of 11 children of Rev. Charlie and Nancy Griffin.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Emma Bridges and Luella Felton; eight brothers, Ezekiel, Charlie, Hampton, Robert, John, Hymes, Willie and Judge; and by three other siblings.

At the time of her death, Hattie was a resident of the Hooverwood Healthcare Center in Indianapolis, Ind. Hattie was formerly a longtime resident of South Bend, Ind., before moving to Indianapolis in 1985.

At an early age, as a member of her father's church, Hattie gave her life to Christ.

On Dec. 28, 1919, Hattie and James Woods were united in holy matrimony in Dockery's Place near Ruleville, Sunflower County, Miss., where their first two children, Juanita and Curtis Charles Wesley Woods, were born. The family moved in January 1924, to Brazil, Ind., where two sons, Roy Gene and James Orr Woods, were born. James was born on March 28, 1927, and died three days later.

Hattie's elementary schooling took place in Mississippi and she furthered her education by attending adult evening classes both in Brazil and South Bend.

In Brazil she was a member of the Second Baptist Church, from 1924 to 1941, where her spouse became an ordained minister in 1929. Hattie was employed as a housekeeper while living in Brazil.

In August 1941, the family moved to South Bend where she became a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church and was active in the church, the church choir, and other organizations for many years.

For approximately 10 years, during the '50s and '60s, Hattie was employed as an attendant at the State and Granada Theaters. She also worked as a classroom aide at Oliver Elementary School and was later a foster-grandparent for many years.

Hattie was also preceded in death by her son, Curtis Charles Wesley on March 6, 1970; and by her husband, Rev. James Woods on May 2, 1971.

Hattie was a quiet, nurturing mother and wife and these attributes extended to all her relatives and friends who knew her. Being a wise woman beyond her years she understood her fellow man's frustrations as well as joys. She was never one to complain even when she was troubled by life's inevitable challenges and hardships, because Hattie knew inward joy and peace. In her latter days she experienced an unusual, loving relationship with God.

Hattie leaves to cherish her memories her surviving children, Juanita Woods Hayes of Indianapolis, and Rev. Roy Gene Woods, formerly a member of the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church in South Bend, and now a resident of Las Cruces, N.M.; seven grandchildren; and by great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday at Alford's Mortuary. Visitation will be from one hour prior to services.

Alford's Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.