Gertrude Woods - Obituary

ertrude Cecile Ferdinand Woods peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at The Ft. Washington Medical Center, Ft. Washington, MD. Gertrude was born on January 8, 1923 to the late Wilson and Olivia Ferdinand in St. James Parish, Louisiana. Gertrude was the youngest of thirteen. In 1939, she married the late Cliford Woods, Sr. Through this union they were blessed with their son, Clifford L. Woods, Jr. Her son's dedication to his own family is testimony experienced through she and her husband's values, faithfulness and integrity that he experienced growing up in Marrero. Gertrude was a lifetime member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. In previous years she and her husband were active in the Church, the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, and community justice and peace activities. She was a remarkable lady. A devout Catholic, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was sincerely dedicated and caring to both her immediate and extended family. All of her nieces and nephews enjoyed the fruits of her generosity and kindness. Her grandchildren, Sean and Allyson spent time with their grandparents and looked forward to their summers here in Louisiana, enjoying homemade popcorn balls and Creole dinners. She will always be remembered and loved for her kindness, understanding, family values and love. She is survive by her son, Clifford L. (Beverbly A. Babin) Woods, Jr; two grandchildren: Allyson K.(David Masembwa) and Sean L. (Martina Carpenter) Woods; great-granddaughter: Leila J. Woods. Gertrude is also survived by a devoted sister, Olivia Mae Walker and a devoted sister-in-law, Rita Ferdinand, both of Marrero, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Olivia Ferdinand; her husband, Clifford L. Woods, Sr.; her siblings: Myrtle Castillion, Ollie Nelson, Rose M. Jackson, John O. Ferdinand and Nevella Verrett.