Samuels Funeral Home, LLC. | Manning, SC

Obituary For Arthena Woods

Greeleyville, SC

Life Reflections A descendant of the Murray and Woods families, Arthena was born on May 15, 1977, in Kingstree, South Carolina to the late Thomas Woods Jr. and Florence Williams-Woods of Greeleyville, South Carolina. As the youngest of four children, she exhibited an exuberance and love for life that we all cherished. At an early age, Arthena accepted Christ as her personal Savior and became a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Salters, South Carolina. She was born with a wonderful voice and acquired a love for all types of music. She used her voice as a member of the Bethlehem Gospel Choir. Throughout the years, Arthena attended concerts, musicals, and shows. She loved life and embraced all that it offered her.

Arthena was an exceptional student and a life-long learner. She attended Greeleyville Elementary School and C.E. Murray Middle/High School, where she thrived academically and earned numerous academic awards. She loved literature, the Humanities, and writing. Upon graduation from high school, Arthena matriculated at South Carolina State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. With a passion for learning, she continued her education at the Citadel, where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Education, and then acquired a second post-secondary degree from South Carolina State University as an Education Specialist (Ed.S). Arthena loved education, and it showed through her service as a teacher, coach, mentor, sponsor, colleague, and educational leader. As the Teacher Cadet instructor at C. E. Murray High School, she inspired many young people to become educators, to give back to their communities, and to be their best. Arthena enjoyed her career in Maryland, but her heart was in South Carolina. She was awarded many accolades as an educator, to include Teacher of the Year at C. E. Murray High School before becoming the school’s Title 1 Curriculum Specialist. She was a talented educator, as she motivated all who knew her during her years working in both Williamsburg and Charleston County School Districts. Arthena’s most current position as an educational leader was Title 1 Director for the Sumter County Public School System, and she served as Lead Representative for the South Carolina Association of Title One Administrators for Region 6. Arthena was a member of numerous service organizations, to include the Order of the Eastern Star and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She believed in service, from assisting in getting high school seniors registered to vote to offering her personal time tutoring students. She was a brilliant light that shone brightest when she assisted others. Preceding Arthena to glory are her maternal and paternal grandparents; dad, Deacon Thomas Woods Jr., an aunt, Lou Edna Woods-Morris; and two uncles, John Edward Williams and Edward Murray, Jr. Arthena leaves fond memories to her mother, Florence Woods of Greeleyville, SC; one daughter, Kayla Woods of Temple Hills, MD; one son, Fernandez Brown II, “Chubby” of the home; one brother, Thomas L. Woods (Loletha) of Newport News, VA; three sisters, Shareen Parson-Clark (Ray, deceased) of Atlanta, Georgia; Jaqueline Woods-East (Mike) of Temple Hills, MD; and Deloris Woods-Martin (Alvin) of Stafford, VA; four loving aunts, Dorothy Williams of Fort Washington, MD; Adell McClary (James) of Salters, SC; Lillian Pressley (Lee Edward) of Goose Creek, SC; and Sadie Mae Flemings (Eugene, deceased) of Cades SC; one uncle, Albert Murray (Conchita) of Temple Hills, MD; one very special friend, Fernandez Brown; one “sista-girl”, Vernescher Brown-Clyburn; one adoring fur baby,Isis; numerous adoring nieces, nephews and cousins; and a world full of loving extended family, friends, and distinguished colleagues.

Graveside services for Miss Woods will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 253 Coleman Road, Greeleyville, SC. Rev. James Carter, Jr., Pastor.

Guest Book

Family you are in my prayers and thoughts. Pray that God will strengthen and comfort you. Arthena exuded so much love, care and concern to all that she interacted with. She always talked about her loving family and her faith. Her smile and laughter were genuine and she will be missed.

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Soror Deloris Woods-Martin & Family, My sincere condolences to you and your family. May God continue to keep you in His care. Soror Judeaette Pendergrass-Braswell, Fredericksburg, VA

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Arthena is truly a gift from God. She encouraged me when we worked together and continued to encourage me throughout my endeavors. Arthena was one of the few people who saw God in me and I saw God in her. The month of May was our month to reconnect. Praying for her family and friends. Arthena will truly be missed.

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Arthena was a beautiful person and had a smile that made your worries go away. It was an honor to work with Arthena I and cherish our many conversations and memories. My condolences to the family. Words may not mend your heartache but those who care and share your loss, wish you comfort and peace. May you find strength in the warm embrace of family and friend. ~ Melissa Epps

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My prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. Prayers for strength and comfort. Ms.Woods was such a giving and caring person. She helped me in the past and was in the process of helping me again a few weeks before she became ill Every time I saw or talked to her directly she was so happy. And she knew her job WELL. She will truly be missed but heaven has gained a beautiful angel! - Antwaun Way

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We are so very sorry for your lost. We will miss her dearly, and the lord will not put more on us than we can bear. Please remember the good time that you have share with her those are the things that will get you through. May bless and keep you and her family. your cousin Rolonda and family better known as pumpkin.

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May God bless and give you peace. She will truly be missed.

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There are no words to describe the way I feel at this moment. I am going to miss my cousin. Please keep her family in prayer. Love ya Tweetise.

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It's so hard to believe you are gone from us. We will forever hold in our hearts the smile and laughter that always brought sunshine. You are surely a beautiful angel that simply took her wings. We love Trina, Your family, the Limehouse family.

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Arthena came into our lives with her beautiful smile and happy, dancing eyes. She has been our co-worker, supervisor, strong supporter and last, but not least, our dear friend. ~ We love you Arthena...May God bless and comfort your family and friends as only He can ~ Cindy Jennings, Cynthia Josey, Beth Powell

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Someone so special can never be forgotten. No words can describe how deeply Ms. Woods touched my life. An awesome Title I Director and a very dear friend. To the family my heart goes out to you. Josephine Mack / Parent Facilitator

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My sympathy goes out to the Woods family. Arthena was such a beautiful person. May God continue to bless you at this time. Soror Debra McBride

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We send our love and sympathies to your family. May God comfort your family during this time. Kaisha McCrea and family

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To the family of Arthena Merdise Woods. Real comfort comes when you rest in your relationship as the child of the wisest, most powerful, most loving, most gracious, most forgiving, and most faithful person in the universe. He promised to never leave you. He is committed to making even the worst moments in your life result in good. And He will give you everything you need to face whatever you encounter in this fallen world, even DEATH! With heartfelt Sympathy, Rev. Joshua Dupree, Jr Ministry of HOPE 850 Manchester Rd Sumter, SC 29154

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If beautiful inside & out was a person you would be the perfect example. I know you have your wings because your already was an top Angel. My condolences to family & friends. Student Sierra M

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My heart has been aching for the lost of my friend... We taught together at KES, worked at the SCDE together. Trina was my sorority and Eastern Star sister.... Our paths were forever connected. My prayers to her family, children, and loved ones... Rest easy my sister.. Viki Cooper Gamble

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To the children and Mrs.Monkey, So sorry to see Trina go, such a beautiful person inside out.May you all get the comfort you need.

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Ms. Woods, I am going to miss you. You were more than my supervisor for 6 years; you were my friend. I am going to miss our little talks after work, your smile, your sweet spirit, and a good person to work for. You are in God's hand now. Take your rest from your labor. Love you, Dorothy Anderson, Title I

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Trina and I were friends as well as housemates briefly at SCSU. She always had a smile on her face. I was and still am in shock at this news. Prayers to all her family and friends especially her children. Forever a Bulldog!

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Arthena, you will be missed. I was shocked to hear about your passing. I remember your smiles and your laughter. Heaven has gained an angel. May The Woods family be comforted, loved, and strengthened at this time. Your classmate, Rachel Mack.

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Ms. Woods, filled our lives with happiness and sweet feelings that we will carry in our hearts forever..... May God bless you and comfort you Melinda M. Hudson

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This still seems unreal and a hard pill to swallow... You were one of many and beyond the best English teacher I ever encountered at C.E.Murray!!! That smile always brighten up our day and lord don't make her mad cause that face and the eye she made along with that finger pointing let you no right then and there, that she ment business and it was time to work... You had a heart of gold... You will truly be missed down here... Keeping her children, mother, siblings along with the entire Woods Family in my .. S.I.P OUR BEAUTIFUL ANGEL!!!

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I first met Athena as a sorority sister. I never realized that our days would have been filled with working closely together in Sumter School District. She was so supportive of me as a principal and also a friend. My memories of Arthena will forever be her beautiful smile with a unique laugh. I will remain in prayer for the family. Maria Newton-Ta`Bon

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I am still in disbelief, but I know that you are smiling down from Heaven as I post this message. You were a very dear, true friend that made me laugh EVERY day, even on the days when I didn't want to laugh. You smile was infectious and contagious. I am so glad that I had the chance to have you in my life and definitely to call you FRIEND. I miss you tremendously because my laughing partner is no longer here. Sending my sincere condolences to your children, family and loved ones. May God keep and strengthen you during this time of bereavement.

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You were one of my first friends when I moved here from Michigan, we worked together throughout Williamsburg County and then we both found our way to Sumter County. I will miss your smile and your infectious laughter. I will pray for peace and understanding for your family and especially your babies. My heart is heavy, this is a profound loss for all who loved you. Sleep in peace my friend; until we see each other again. Krista Picciotti-McClary

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May God bless and strengthen her family during this time and the days to come. --KY Richardson

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May the peace of God guard your hearts during this difficult transition. Such a sweet, soft spoken person who was always easy to work with. She will be missed by many but we know that God has the final say. SIP, Phaedra J. Carolina

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I send my heartfelt condolences to the entire Woods family; May God Almighty comfort and strengthen each of you during this difficult time. ~Gwen China Croskey

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God sends people into our lives for a reason and a season. When those people have served their intended purpose, God transitions them to a place of peace where they can rest and continue to fulfill His purpose. Although I know Arthena is in her place of peace, the idea of this transition never gets easier to accept. I only knew Arthena for a short amount of time, as I had just recently started working alongside her. But, in that time, although she was my supervisor, she also became a sister-friend. Her beautiful smile, warm personality, and infectious laugh will truly be missed. Sending prayers and hugs to the Woods family. Please know that you have an angel smiling down on you from Heaven. May God continue to provide peace and comfort, and please know that you all will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. ~Tammie Collier

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May God comfort and strengthen you and your family-The Smith, Daniels and Gray families

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Arthena was always only one call, drive, text, or email away. We worked in the world of Federal Programs together in neighboring districts and we were a family within our own world. This is a great loss to the Federal Program world and I think I speak for everyone that knew her that we are beyond crushed & she will surely be missed! Her smile was priceless. Arthena sent an entire team to assist me at the fall conference last year and I am forever grateful for all of that she has been. She was a jewel and I am holding onto all of the wonderful memories. She loved her family and she talked about taking her son on that dream trip next year. Thanks family for sharing her here in SC. With a grateful heart, Lashaundra "Ree" Dubose.

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Arthena was a blessing to all who knew her and loved her. She will be so missed. Praying for peace for her family in the days ahead. Love, The Chua Family

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Praying His love and blessings overflow in your life today and forever. Her beautiful smile and service made an impact in our SSD community. Sisterly, B. Rice-Robinson

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Such a Sweet Heart. Beautiful Inside and Out with a Sweet Spirit. I will truly miss her. God has Picked Hi Beautiful Flower. Praying for strength for her Mom and Children

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My co-worker, my friend. I could always count that smile to lift my spirits any day. May God comfort all that mourn because she truly blessed every life she touched. ~Keasha Grant

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You were a breathe of fresh air from the first time I laid my eyes on you. You taught me how to have strength even in uncomfortable situations. You shared your heart with us and never waived on what you thought was right. I am forever grateful for crossing paths with you and embracing that beautiful smile you always wore. Rest my sister rest you fought well...You can rest now from your labor!!! Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal..........SG

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You were truly a wonderful person and I will never forget your beautiful smile. Rest easy my friend we will take it from here. Justin Stapler

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There are no words to describe this devastating loss. Heaven has truly gained an angel. Rest in Paradise, Thena Jean!

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Arthena and I were co-workers and friends. I will forever miss her kind, warm and loving spirit. I find that the only way to manage my grief is by remembering her laughter, smile, and conversations. She loved her family. May God comfort and keep them. Dr. David Laws Jr.

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This is my sister...I am overwhelmed with grief right now. God doesn't make any mistakes. I am praying for her babies, Mom and siblings. This is a great loss for humanity, but definitely Heaven's gain! Rest Thena. I'll never forget you!

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It was with profound sadness that I learned of Nell's passing. So many memories of our work together flooded my mind and filled my heart. May you find comfort in the lives that you shared, family and friends who support you, and God who provides peace that goes beyond understanding. Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers.

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May God continue to strengthen you. Nicole MoorePearson

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Samuels Funeral Home, LLC. | Manning, SC