Mary Frances (Woodward) Newell, 79, Sandusky, Ohio, passed away on Saturday,
December 31, 2011 at Providence Care Center following a long illness.
She was born on July 5, 1932 in Jacksonville Alabama to the late Andrew and
Evelyn (Jones) Woodward.
She attended the Alabama City Schools.
She met and married her first husband James Floyd Redding and they, along
with their four children, moved to Sandusky,
in 1952.
She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church for over 30 years where she served
on the Usher Board and the Nurses Guild.
She was past President of the Busy Bee Circle and Women’s United of Erie
County; past member of the League of Women’s Voters; past Matron of Lake View
Chapter #65; and Past President of the Tenants Association that she helped
organize. She was also a volunteer
for the State Theatre, Stein Hospice, a member of Project Dialogue, and she
volunteered for Make a Difference Day.
She was employed at Cameo’s Pizza, Providence Hospital and the Community
Plaza Senior Center.
She leaves to mourn her passing one son:
James (Patricia) Redding of Sandusky, OH; two daughters:
Dorothy Henton of San Diego, CA and Nadiah Abdul-Malik of Toledo, OH;
brothers: Andrew Woodward of
Kansas City, MO, Clyde (Ann) Woodard of Anniston, AL, and Billie (Joan) Woodard
of Aberdeen, MA; sisters:
Virgie (Eugene) Robinson of Anniston, AL, Katherine Woodard of Oxford,
AL, and Mildred Whitfield of Moreno Valley, CA; 18 grandchildren, 24 great-
grandchildren, 8 great- great- grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Gwendolyn Yvette Redding; husband,
Dan Newell; parents Andrew and Evelyn Woodward; sisters Martha Green, and Louise
Heard; brothers, Mike Edmondson and
Wilbur Edmondson; and aunts and uncles.
Friends may call Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 10 AM until time of funeral
service at 11AM at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce Street, Sandusky, OH.
Rev. Franklin Churchwell will officiate and Pastor Carlos Woodard will
delivery the eulogy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family or the
church.
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, is assisting with
arrangements. Condolences may be
shared at www.toftfh.com.