Mary Elizabeth Woods

Mary E. Woods left this world on Monday, February 1, 2021. Mary was the fourth child born to Joseph and Alberta Woods, along with her twin sister, Martha, on Monday, October 22, 1934 in Bagdad, Florida. They were raised in Birmingham, Alabama, under the loving care of aunt and uncle Mary and Willie Hyatt. Mary felt God's touch on her life at an early age; in 1947 she united with the Mount Zion Baptist Church and served faithfully until her move to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1966. She immediately united with the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church and served untiringly. After graduation from the University of New Mexico in 1988, she moved to Denver, Colorado, to attend seminary. Mary answered the call to the ministry in 1989.
Following her graduation from Illiff School of Theology, and subsequent ordination in 1992, she was appointed pastor of Goode Centennial United Methodist Church, Commerce City, Colorado. In 1994, ill health befell her, and she returned to Albuquerque. Still, she continued to honor her commitment to God through service to others. In 1996, Mary completed a one-year Clinical Pastoral Education program (CPE) at Presbyterian Hospital, Albuquerque. Combined with two-year credits beforehand, she became a chaplain and served at various healthcare facilities here in the city. In 2005, following one-year post-stroke, she was awarded Board Certified Chaplain by the Association of Professional Chaplains.
Mary was predeceased by both sets of parents; four sisters, three brothers; infant daughter Anne Marie Caldwell; Gerardo Escudero; numerous other family members. She is survived by her sons, Allan D., and Arnold Woods; biological son Jaiya John, and granddaughter Jordan Jhala John; and sisters, Augustine Woods, and Martha R. Bruno.