Annie Jo (Dobbins) Woodruff

The life of Annie Jo Dobbins Woodruff began on December 26, 1918, in Limestone County, Alabama. Annie was the 7th of 8 children born to Alexander and Josie Reynolds Dobbins. The family relocated from Pulaski, Tennessee with the oldest children (James, Lillian, John, and William) and the younger siblings (Harris, Mary, and Noah) were born in Limestone County, Alabama.

 Her parents, husband, siblings, and children John Woodruff, Shelby Owens, and Faye Robinson, all preceded her in death. On September 3, 2021, Annie Jo Dobbins Woodruff’s sunset after a well-lived life.

Annie received her education in Limestone County where her family became one of the original members of Oakland United Methodist Church. She maintained her membership there for 90 years.

Annie Jo later met and married James Woodruff on December 26, 1936. To this union, four children were born John, Shelby, Faye, and Jane Carolyn. In addition, the couple raised her niece, Edith.  Annie spent many wonderful years as a homemaker for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and neighbors. She and James became affectionately known to future generations and the community as “Daddy Woods” and “Momma Woods.” These adopted names became the legacy of this loving couple for more than 65 years.

Annie was at proudest when nurturing her family; however, she established a career in her late 50s. She worked at the Committee of Church Cooperative for more than 42 years retiring at the age of 99 years. She received many honors and accolades from her employer and throughout the community.

On December 26, 2018, Annie Jo Dobbins Woodruff was honored by the City of Decatur for her 100th birthday. The Honorable Mayor Tab Bowling read and presented a resolution celebrating Momma Woods’ momentous birthday and contributions to the city.

Momma Woods loved her churches, King’s Memorial United Methodist Church (and Oakland UMC), she took pride in her membership. She actively served in the church throughout her life with the United Methodist Women, as a Lay Member to Annual Conference, choir member, and she chaired several auxiliaries and committees.

Her other lifelong affiliations include the Order of the Eastern Star, and she was the last living founding member of the Semper Fidelis Club.

Her memory will be cherished by her daughter Jane Carolyn Bradshaw, Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Michael, Roslyn, and Mitchell (Darlene) Robinson, Birmingham, AL; Kevin and Keith (Vicki) Owens, Birmingham, AL; and Amber Bradshaw, Charlotte, NC; her special niece, Edith Dobbins, Nashville, TN; 15 great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many extended family and friends.  In addition, her King’s Memorial UMC family especially her pastor Rev. Roderick Stallworth and his wife Kathy.

Acknowledgements

The family of the Late Annie Jo Dobbins Woodruff (also known as Mama Woods and Miss Annie Jo) acknowledges the prayers, visits, calls, love from many friends, church members and neighbors. Your support helped us through these difficult days of illness and our healing from our loss. Although there have been many expressions of love, we do give special recognition to Rev. & Mrs. Stallworth, the Office of Russell Barr, The Hospice Center of North Alabama, Summerford Rehabilitation Center and Sharpley Funeral Home for caring and serving beyond boundaries. We appreciate and love you all for various contributions to the life of Annie Jo Dobbins Woodruff.

Under the directing of Sharpley Funeral Home. Funeral Services for Mrs. Annie Jo Woodruff, 102 of Decatur, Alabama who passed away Friday, September 3, 2021 at Summerford Nursing Home in Falkville, Alabama will be held Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 12:00pm at King's Memorial United Methodist Church. Burial in Sterrs Cemetery. The body will be in church 1hr before the service. Sharpley Funeral Home directing. The church service is for immediate family members only. Burial Service at Sterrs Cemetery is open to all who want to attend.

Due to the CDC Guidelines and the spread of Covid social distancing will be enforced with 6ft apart. A face mask or some sort of face covering is required. The family ask that no touching nor hugging, because of the spread of Covid. If You Do Not Comply You Will Be Asked To Leave.. No Exceptions!!!

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