Frances Groves Woodyard transitioned from her earthly home in Gastonia, North Carolina to her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior, Tuesday, August 24, 2021, 63 days before her 101st birthday.

Frances was born October 26,1920 in Richwood, Nicholas County, West Virginia, the only child of Lundy Brooks Groves and Verdie Jane Dilley.

She was the last surviving member of the Richwood High School Class of 1938. She attended Glenville State College where she met her soulmate, Harry Hite Woodyard.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree from Glenville State College and a Master’s degree from West Virginia University.

During her teaching career, she impacted and inspired the lives of many students. She walked four miles and often forded a creek to reach the Little Laurel School. She also taught at Fenwick Grade School and Richwood High School. History and Bible were her favorite classes. After moving to North Carolina in 1996, she became a substitute teacher for Gaston County Schools. At the age of 92 years, she last taught for her daughter at North Gaston High School. She also shared her love of music with others by teaching piano and violin lessons.

Frances began keeping diaries at a young age. In these, she described herself as independent and gregarious. She enjoyed communicating with family, friends, and former students through letters, cell phone or Facebook. She loved reading the Bible, books, and the daily newspaper, especially the comics. She always worked the crossword puzzle. She also enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles and making personalized greeting cards.

Her greatest attribute was faithfulness in serving the Lord. As a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday School classes, played piano or organ, and sang in the choir. She participated at Myers Memorial United Methodist Church, by singing in choir, playing handbells, and knitting prayer shawls for the sick. Her favorite Bible verse was 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, and son-in-law, Richard Doss. 

Survivors include:                                                                                                                                                                   

2 Children: 

Lou Lynne Doss, Gastonia, North Carolina and Larry and Vanessa Woodyard, Parsons, West Virginia.

7 Grandchildren: 

John Adams; Dan and Richanda Doss Jameson; Ritchie and Angel Doss; Rachel Doss; Dustin and Karla Woodyard; Casey and Vicki Woodyard; and, Zachary Woodyard.

9 Great Grandchildren: 

Emilee Adams; Emma and Abigail Doss; Jaden Doss; Seth and Aiden Woodyard; Ethan Woodyard; Mallory and Parker Woodyard.

Her loved ones will have her cremains buried beside her husband and parents in a private graveside service at West Virginia Memorial Gardens, Calvin, West Virginia officiated by grandson, Pastor Ritchie Doss. Please contribute any memories or stories you may have for sharing to: woodyardfrances100@gmail.com.

Donations may be made in her memory to Myers Memorial United Methodist Church, 301 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054 or St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 18001 Webster Rd, Craigsville, WV.

A special thanks to Paula Robb, RN, Gaston Hospice; Jeff Painter Funeral and Cremation Services, Mt. Holly, NC; and, Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood, WV.