Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory


Wanda “Penny” Woodard, was born in Washington, DC on October 23, 1956, to the late William and G. Sylvia Parker.

Penny was educated in the District of Columbia Public Schools and a graduate of Frank W. Ballou High School.

Penny was unapologetically herself, confident enough to be comfortable in her own skin, with a down-to-earth charm. Nobody was a stranger to her, and no matter what the situation was, if Penny was there, laughter was sure to follow.

She was a hostess at a D.C. Elks Club, a toll booth operator at Dulles Toll Road, and a tax office assistant. She most cherished her role as a caretaker to nieces, nephews, and her grandchildren.

Penny was a serious music lover, especially the old Motown hits! She loved spending time with her family, talking on the phone, roller skating, dancing to her favorite tunes and teaching you the latest dance steps, and watching comedy movies and TV shows. She had a love for BINGO and was quite good at it. She and a group of friends attended the weekly bingo games hoping to win the jackpot!

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents - William & G. Sylvia Parker, her paternal and maternal grandparents, two brothers - William & Dennis Gorham.

She leaves to cherish her memories, one son - Lyron Woodard, one daughter - Symara Woodard, two grandsons – Derek Culp and Christopher Woodard, and two granddaughters - Eden Star Woodard and Naomi Hylton.

She leaves behind 11 brothers and sisters – Theodora Gorham, Donnell Gorham (Tamika), Myron Gorham (Sylvia), Denise Gorham, Artina Starr (Mike), Juanita Gorham, Gwyn Gardner (Roger), Ernestine McSwain, Ernest Gorham, Carolyn Parker, and Alisa Gorham.

A host of brother and sister-in laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Psalm 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Relatives and friends are invited to Wanda's Life Celebration on Friday, May 23, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. until the start of the service at 11 A.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. 

Wanda "Penny" Woodard

Wanda "Penny" Woodard

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