Carolyn Woodward

Carolyn Jean Woodward, 75, died peacefully Aug. 23 ^rd , 2015, with her husband at her bedside, in their home in Bogalusa, La., after an extended illness. Carolyn was born April 12, 1941, in Crawfordville, Indiana.  She grew up in Waynetown, with her parents and brothers, Jim and Chuck.  The family eventually moved to Jackson, Mississippi where she graduated from Central High School in 1957.  By 1961, she had given birth to two children, Jeffery and Christine.Shortly thereafter, Carolyn moved to New Orleans and began working in the food service industry.  While working at the Warwick Hotel Restaurant, she met, and eventually married the love of her life, Robert Fredrick “Fred” Woodward. Together, they raised five children and several grandchildren, in the New Orleans and Metairie, La. areas.  Working consistently throughout her adult life, she eventually landed at Deanies’ Seafood in Bucktown.  Carolyn worked for over 30 years at Deanies’.  Knowing how much she would miss her beloved Deanies’ family, she postponed retirement, until failing health would no longer allow her to continue working. In the summer of 2007, Carolyn and Fred flew to Alaska to visit her daughter, Christine and Bill.  Riding the train from Fairbanks into Denali National Park, she had the opportunity to see the top of Mt. McKinley on a clear, summer day.  After hurricane Katrina, Carolyn and Fred began looking for a home out of the city, away from the busy lifestyle they had in the Metairie area.  Eventually, they purchased a home in Bogalusa, La., from where she commuted to work until her retirement. From an early age, Carolyn loved animals, especially dogs; her favorite being pugs.  Her love of New Orleans was evident by her excitement to share its history, culture, seafoods, traditions, festivities and music, with everyone. She was a big fan of the New Orleans Saints.  Above all, she loved family and friends, those near and far, with all her heart.  Carolyn especially enjoyed spending time with everyone she cared about.  Her smile was infectious and she always wished happiness for those she loved. She was preceded in death by her father, Noel Lynn Pritchard, sister-in-law Jeannette Pritchard, nephew Carl Pritchard, father-in-law Fredrick Edward Woodward, mother-in-law Ida Mae Woodward, sister-in-law Charlotte Ann Sylest, step-daughter Lila Lee Sierra, and step-son Charles Fredrick Woodward. She is survived by husband of 37 years, Robert Fredrick Woodward of Bogalusa, La., mother Barbara Jean Pritchard of Miss., brother James Pritchard (Hilda) of Miss., brother Charles Pritchard (Linda) of Miss., brother-in-law Charles Woodward (Margaret), sister-in-law Lila Fay Adams, brother- in- law Mason Woodward (Sida), son Jeffery Daniels (Terri) of MI., daughter Christine Burr (William) of AK., stepdaughter Barbara Mitchel (Jason) of La., stepdaughter Leslie Woodward of La., stepdaughter Janet Warren of La. ,numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews throughout the U.S. and South Africa. Carolyn was a lovely woman who shared everything she had, with those she loved.  Her faith in God was strong.  She lived her life by example, with strong work ethics and profound moral character. Making friends wherever she was, she has left behind many who will miss her dearly.

There will be a memorial service, followed by a celebration of life fellowship in her honor, on September 14, 2015 at 6:00pm, located at Trinity Baptist Church, 1933 Enterprise Drive, Harvey, La., 70058.  Everyone who knew and loved her is invited to come and share their memories.  Thereafter, her ashes will be interred next to her step-daughter and step-son, to await her husbands’, in the family mausoleum. Memorial messages may be sent to Charles Woodward, 22700 Lon Miley Road, Bogalusa, La. 70427.  The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.