Woodyard, Jean White
Jean White Woodyard, 88, of Poplar Hill, Virginia earned her Heavenly reward on the evening of Wednesday, August 28, 2024, when the first steps she had taken in years were through the pearly gates and down the streets of gold where she was greeted by those who had been awaiting her arrival. Born on July 2, 1936, Jean was the sixth born child to John Slusher White and Josie Mae Pyles White in Staffordsville, Virginia.
In addition to being a homemaker and raising her three children with her loving husband, she supported the operations of their family-owned business, Woodyard’s Service Station, a staple in the Poplar Hill and White Gate communities for nearly 45 years. Jean’s life was deeply rooted in her Christian faith and was a longtime member of French’s Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church. When the time came that she was no longer able to attend church, she remained devoted to reading her Bible and even had Sunday School class books sent to her so that she could continue to study the scripture from home.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Emory Covington “Duder” Woodyard Jr. and daughter Barbara Ann Woodyard. Left to cherish her memory, includes, her son, Emory Wayne Woodyard (Libby) of Poplar Hill; daughter, Martha Woodyard Miller (Jerry) of Tappahannock; grandchildren, Anthony Woodyard of Christiansburg, Thomas Woodyard of Poplar Hill, Justin Miller (Britny) of Christiansburg; Rachelle Lafon of Poplar Hill, Alisha Jones (Mark) of Pembroke; and Brian Lafon (Amber) of Johnson City, TN; sisters, Billie Katherine Dean of Pulaski; and Mary Jane Mitros of Binghamton, New York; and a multitude of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care and devotion during the final years of Jean’s life, the staff of Medi Hospice for ensuring a peaceful end-of-life experience, and the many neighbors and friends who have offered their love and support during this time of loss.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 2:00pm. at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in White Gate, with Pastor Mac Miller officiating. Interment and graveside committal will follow at Walkers Creek Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 12:00pm until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Walkers Creek Cemetery. Donations can be mailed to Walkers Creek Cemetery, c/o Doak Bane, 299 White Pine Road, Pearisburg, VA 24134.
The Woodyard family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.
