Obituary
Alberta Cox Woody was the eleventh child of seventeen born to Willie (Jab) and Lizzie Clark Cox in Gibson County on August 8, 1941. Affectionately known as “Bert” to her family and friends, Alberta accepted Christ at an early age at the Williams Chapel Baptist Church. She later united with the New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. After moving to Memphis, she became a member of the Columbus Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. A. E. Campbell, Sr. She remained a faithful member and church mother until her health failed. Alberta graduated from Merry High School in 1960, and she went on to attend Memphis State University. She worked as a Clinical Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Rosewood Nursing Home and later Arlington Developmental Center until she retired. Alberta was united in matrimony to Isaiah Woody, Jr., and their love flourished for thirty-seven wonderful years. To this union, two lovely daughters were born. Isaiah has maintained a close relationship with his family and has played a big part in her care and needs. Bert was often a soft-spoken person who loved people and would pray for anyone. She loved her church and she was truly a prayer warrior. She could be heard praying for her family and others inside her bedroom. Her favorite saying was, “Jesus! Jesus! Help us all!” She was an amazing baker who specialized in making 7-Up pound cakes. She would often make them for the city workers who visited her neighborhood weekly. Alberta had an open-door policy when it came to her family. She exchanged her earthly body for eternal rest on September 3, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Lizzie Cox; six brothers: Clarence Cox, George Cox, Odel Cox, Willie T. Cox, Robert Cox, and Lloyd Cox; and five sisters: Donne Triggs, Constance Cox, Juanita Williamson, Mary Jean Hanson, and Georgia Cole. To cherish her memory, she leaves her two daughters: Pamela (Jimmy) Miller and Angela (Michael) Bates, a bonus daughter, Deborah Rogers; three granddaughters: Rekieta Jones, Brittani (Darius) Williams, and Mycah Bates; one grandson, Rashad Jones; bonus grandsons: Mariko Bates, Marshawn Bates, Rashawn Bates, and Alan (Tara) Rodgers; five great-grandchildren: Anyah Crockett, Aubree’ Malone, Jonas Williams, Talynn Williams and Bayler Williams; three sisters: Tommie (Robert) Allen, Ida (Franklin) McFadden and Christine Long-Davis; two brothers: Sammie Cox and Edward (Dovie) Cox; a host of children that she helped to raise: Dianette, Hollis, Carolyn, Fairey, Rochelle, Jerry, Keith, and Brian; close family friends: Isaiah Woody, Jr. and Ann Ruffin; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Family Tributes BUSY BEE
(Written by Rekieta Jones) Our sweet and sassy Busy Bee My, my, my were you a sight to see Your warm smile and your soft touch Grandmother, please know that we love and miss you so much You have left us with so many memories to cherish So much love and wisdom that will never perish A grandmothers love-so tender and sweet Your mouth watering apple pie and lemonade sure were a treat How could we forget that perfect pound cake Every time we came over you would always make Thank you for your prayers that kept us covered and safe And for showing us how to treat others with kindness & grace Although our hearts will miss your presence near Your memories live on and they are very dear We love you grandma and this isn’t goodbye We know you are in the arms of the Lord flying high You were as beautiful as a butterfly, so happy and free. Forever in our hearts, our Busy Bee. - Love, Your Grandchildren
GOD’S GARDEN God looked around his garden And found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth, And saw your tired face.
He knew that you were suffering, He knew that you were in pain. He knew that you would never Get well on earth again.
He put His arms around you And lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.
It broke our hearts to lose you But you did not go alone… For part of us went with you The day God called you home.
-Your Daughters
TO OUR AUNT
Alberta
We were so blessed to have you, and we thank God for sharing you with us. You are resting now. So, we will miss your glowing smile, and bubbling personality. We knew you were near because of your distinguished voice, and infectious laugh God made just for you. You were always graceful, and when in your presence, your natural spirit was sweet and kind. We will remember. We shared many family reunions, family gatherings, and family visits with you. With family, food and fun, your giving nature made everyone feel loved. Some of us had the pleasure of living with you for a time. You then became a surrogate mom. Whether it was for the summer, or progressing in life, we had fun and enjoyed the new things you brought to us. You were also a role model, encourager, and friend. Like all of your brothers and sisters, you brought so much joy to our lives. Thank you. Though the years fell upon all of us as we sailed through life, memories from pictures, our thoughts, and our talks will forever keep you close in our hearts. We love you and will miss you. Rest in Peace Sweet, Beautiful “Bert”! With Love, Your Nieces and Nephews form Tennessee, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, Missouri, Michigan and New York “6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (II Timothy 4:6-8, KJV)
HEAVEN HAS OPENED THE GATES FOR OUR BELOVED SISTER Our sister “Bert”, as we called her, was a gift to our heart, And a golden thread of fabric to our family You were caring, giving, loving and full of wisdom You were a queen with dignity and class Dressed from head to toe and a hat ready to go You always prayed powerful prayers for your family And oh, how you loved the Lord. Words cannot express how much happiness you gave to us All the family gatherings at your home A wonderful sense of honor and the world’s best pound cake Our hearts are hurting, but God will give us peace along the way. As you enter the gates of Heaven Give all of our family a big hug with love, You will forever be etched in our minds and hearts We find comfort and rest in knowing God loved you best You are dancing like nobody is watching So, go in peace – you’ve earned your sleep. Your love in our hearts we will eternally keep. - Your Sisters and Brothers
Acknowledgment
We would like to sincerely thank each of you for your expressions of sympathy, visits, cards, telephone calls, texts and prayers during our beloved queen’s illness and homegoing. We would like to thank the staff of Riverdale Assisted Living for your years of service and providing care for our dear mother. Special thanks to Crossroads Hospice. Thanks to Lisa Stewart and Nicole Lanshaw who stood in the gap. Thanks to the Goode Care Home and staff for their exceptional care and love shown to mother daily. Thanks to Candace Gardner for all your love and support. Please continue to keep our family lifted in prayer. ~ The Woody Family ~
Michael Bates Brian Shaw
Active Pallbearers Rashad Jones Alan Rogers
Jermikeo Malone Darius Williams
Honorary Pallbearers
Mycah Bates Edward Cox
Jimmy Miller Sammie Cox
Interment
West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road • Memphis, TN 38125
Arrangements Entrusted To E. H. Ford Mortuary Services 3390 Elvis Presley Boulevard • Memphis, TN 38116
Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.