Obituary of Laura Mae Woods

Laura Mae Woods, 85, of Niles, went home to be with her Savior on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Laura was born on June 5, 1935, to the late Randall and Alberta (Clark) Chatmon in Tunica, Mississippi. On April 21, 1978 Laura wed Odie B. Woods, Sr. at a ceremony at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles. Many will remember Laura’s warm smile as she worked several places in Niles through the years, most recently as the manager of Harding’s Deli. Laura enjoyed cooking for her family, traveling and was always a hard worker. She was a lady of great faith and attended Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles for over sixty years, serving in the kitchen and singing in the choir. She was preceded in death by her parents; children, L.C. Jackson, Gloria Norman, Verlean, Jackson, and Barbara Scott; grandchildren, James E. Woods, Jr. and Korri Jackson; and her siblings, two brothers and two sisters. Laura is survived by her husband, Odie Woods Sr. of Niles; children, Margaret Dixson of Lithonia, Georgia, Gracie Bouie of Memphis, and Annette Jackson of Niles, Earline Jackson; Odie’s children, Deloris Wood of Niles, Odie Woods of Niles, Eddie Woods of South Bend, Clint Woods of Chicago, Ananias Woods of South Bend, Addie Woods of Niles, and Ray Woods of Niles, James Fields; a niece, Barbara Sexton of Columbus, Ohio; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Homegoing services to celebrate Laura’s life will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles at Noon with a time of visitation beginning one hour prior. Pastor Bryant L. Bacon Sr. will be officiating and an interment will follow the funeral at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Her service will be available for viewing on our website after 3:00 p.m. on Thursday at https://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/3091/Laura-Woods/tribute-link.html?linkId=62#content-start. In keeping with the Covid-19 guidelines, our gathering is limited, the State of Michigan requires all in attendance to follow all guidelines including, social distancing, mandatory mask, and hand sanitizing. We appreciate your assistance in helping us to keep everyone in attendance healthy. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.