Mary Lois Lafayette was born on December 10, 1935 in Patmas, Arkansas to the union of Estell and Mary Jane Lafayette (both preceded her in death). The family resided in Fulton, Arkansas and Mary was the third of the family’s six children; Lillie Mae Rancifer, Brice Lafayette (who preceded in death), Mary Lee Thompson (who preceded in death), Joyce Ann Wright (Bennie), and Douglas Lafayette. The family attended Galilee Baptist Church of Fulton, Arkansas where Mary accepted Christ at an early age. Mary attended and graduated from Yerger High School in Hope, Arkansas in 1948.
Mary married Jimmy Lawrence Woodberry, Sr. The pair left Arkansas and moved to Santa Monica, California in 1952. To the union, Edie Jean and Jimmy, Jr. Woodberry (Felisha) were born. The couple separated in 1960. Mary later gave birth to David Wesley and Alicia Denise Jennings (Steve, husband, who preceded in death), and Louis Calvin Woodbury.
Upon Mary’s arrival to California, she worked as a short order cook then for Trailways Bus Co. for 25 years until the company collapsed in 1988. She later worked as a certified home health nursing assistant in California and then Arkansas until she retired in 1996. Her hobbies included fishing, crocheting, sewing, puzzles, cooking, studying her bible, and watching TV. Through Mary’s career and hobbies, she was blessed to share the fruits of her labor with the underprivileged youth within her community.
Mary was loved by everyone she came in contact with. From the youngest to the oldest. She had become a mother figure to anyone in need. Her later was spent as a committed member of First Faith serving the mothers board. She leaves behind to cherish her memories 21 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, one aunt, Corrine Lewis, siblings Alma Trotter and James Smith, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and those that consider her as a Mother.
Visitation will be 11am-5pm Friday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be 11am Saturday, October 17 at Galilee Cemetery in Fulton. Arrangements entrusted to Hicks Funeral Home, Inc.