Obituary of Saundra Woody Ph.D.

Dr. Saundra A. Woody (Ph. D) of Clifton, New Jersey passed away on January 8, 2018 at Overlook Hospital, Summit New Jersey. Saundra was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to Saunders and Anna Woody. She was the younger of their two children. Saundra resided in Clifton, New Jersey for 20 years. As a child Saundra had a love for Jesus Christ. This love resulted in her accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age. Her love and passion for Jesus pushed her to know and teach the gospel. A prodigious capacity to draw, attract and treasure people, Saundra captured and retained friends throughout her life’s journey. Passionate about her relationship with Jesus, her gift of teaching has touched and inspired many. Saundra was also an avid learner and had a passion for teaching. Saundra academics culminated with a doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) which she received from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Saundra was a 5th grade teacher at Hillside School in Montclair, New Jersey from 1975-2010. Dr. Saundra Woody’s love for serving her savior led her to Christ Church where she was a member for 23 years. Her legacy of serving at Christ Church began in 1994 when she was the lead producer of the Multi-Cultural Festival in Montclair, New Jersey connecting with the business community. Her service then continued in the following: In August 2015, she attended her first short-term mission trip in NYC presenting the Gospel to the Jewish community. In addition, she served 3 years as a member of the Missions Steering Committee. She served as the Bookstore Department Head for over a decade. She served for 15 years as a Life Group leader. Her other Christ Church activities included the J.O.Y. ministry, Stewardship Ministry , Communion Ministry, Repast Ministry, Chaplaincy and is a core team member for the Tri-County Fair and she was also a church chaplain, Dr. Saundra Woody was also involved in the community. Her community activities included volunteering with the Salvation Army - cooking breakfast every Wednesday morning for the homeless & impoverished. She also served as the chairperson of the Community Service arm of the Essex County Retired Educators Association. As Dr. Saundra Woody’s physical body transitioned “to be present with the Lord”, alongside her bed, was her very longtime, close and loving friend, Thomas Henry. Dr. Saundra Woody was predeceased by her parents Saunders B. and Anna L. Woody and her brother Saunders B. Woody Jr. She is survived by nieces, Thea Waller, Tammy Woody, Tatiyana Woody and Tamara Woody, step nieces Natascha and Alexandra, two aunts: Thelma Showell and Mildred Johnson; Her close friend of 40 years Brenda Tucker, a host of cousins, relatives and friends.