Jewell Woods

Passed 10/30/2021

Obituary For Jewell Woods

On October 30, 2021, Jewell Edward Woods, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend was called to Glory at the age of 92. Jewell was born on January 1, 1929 in Athens, Texas, to the late Major Woods and Vara B. Brown. Jewell attended public school in Athens.

Jewell accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age. He was a member of the Army Armed Forces of the United States on May 10, 1951 and served until January 10, 1953. He later graduated from Howard University in Washington D.C. with a B.A. degree and was employed with the U.S. Department of Labor located in Washington, D.C. for many years until his retirement. He later relocated to New York City and joined Convent Avenue Baptist Church. He served faithfully for many years as a member of the Convent Avenue Baptist Church Men’s Fellowship and Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society.

Jewell was very passionate about making a difference in his community and the world. His work over the years with Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society provided him the opportunity to work with others at Convent Avenue Baptist Church to extend the Christian witness throughout the world. Through the power of prayer partnership, financial support, and technical assistance, he and others together were able to achieve Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society’s mission: building capacity for ministry, education, and health programs and services; providing HIV/AIDS prevention education, care, and support; supporting programs and services for homeless families and children; and helping to build a new generation of leaders for the world. Together, Jewell and Convent Avenue Baptist Church was able to touch many lives with transforming love.

Jewell was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 enacted by Congress that removed barriers to black enfranchisement in the South, banning poll taxes, literacy tests, and other measures that effectively prevented African Americans from voting. He actively participated in Voter Registration drives throughout Harlem, New York, serve as a poll worker, and often encouraged many in his community to become registered voters and to ensure that the election process was a success.

Jewell was affectionately known as “Mr. Woods” in his community, an amazing “father figure,” and was beloved by his community, church, family, and friends. He was known for his quick and candid response, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit to many in his neighborhood and community. Every moment he could, he made those in his community and beyond feel special and loved. Any moment he could have with his family, neighbors, church, and friends he took and made the best of it. Birthdays and holidays were the most special for him. Always finding a way to celebrate with them and creating special moments for life. Jewell was the kind of person that “kept it real” and honest at all times and always supportive; that’s who he was and that’s why he will always be missed.

Nothing pleased him more than going out to eat (breakfast, lunch and dinner), attending special occasions, reunions, BBQ’s, Penn Relays, and holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. He loved talking about his family and the special relationship he had with them over the years, notably his late sister, late brother, niece, and nephew. How can one person make so many people feel special; like they were his favorite? Well, Jewell was able to do that. Why did so many people in the community come to him for advice and comfort? Because they knew he cared. He was our protector and peacemaker and now he is our Guardian Angel.

He was loved by so many. He will be missed by so many more. Jewell was preceded in death by his father, Major Woods, his mother, Vera Brown, his brother John Albert Johnson, and sister Georgia Lee Johnson. He is survived by his niece Winlois Williams, his nephews, Rev. Bill Johnson and Rev. Fredrick Gilbert, a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews, and friends.

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