Ardella Woody

Ardella Woody (Johns), 84, passed away on March 11, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio.

Ardella dedicated her life to caring for others and creating a warm and loving home for her family. In her younger years, she worked at the Famous Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC as a head
security guard before settling in Ohio. She also was a supervisor at Dove Cleaning Services. Beyond her professional career, Ardella was a devoted caregiver to many children who continued to cherish her love and guidance throughout their lives. Children were always a central part of her world, and she embraced them with kindness and generosity; a host of descendants: 12 Grandchildren 43 Great Grandchildren, and also 13 Great Great grandchildren.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Bobby Woody; they recently celebrated 67 years of marriage together. She also leaves behind her beloved sister and last living sibling, Philistine Harris;
six children, Vickie Woody, Juanita Ashford, Tyrone Woody, Micheal Woody, Lanithea Atchley, and Lena Edgerton; as well as a host of 45 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Ardella was preceded in death by her mother, Esther Straugter; father, Eli Johns; sisters, Mary, Alberta, and Esther; brothers, Dennis and Albert; and loving aunt and uncle, Juanita and Charles
Henderson, who raised Ardella from a young age after the passing of both her mother and father.

A woman of many passions, Ardella found joy in going to the casino as often as she could or playing cards at home with family, cooking for her family, and hosting large backyard gatherings
filled with laughter and love. She enjoyed shopping trips, fishing excursions, camping adventures, and crocheting blankets that became treasured keepsakes for those she loved. She also cherished long phone conversations with her sisters, Esther and Philistine.

For over 40 years, Ardella was a pillar of strength in both her family and community. She was known as the “Big Momma” of the family—the rock who held everyone together with unwavering
love and support. Her generosity knew no bounds as she dedicated herself to giving back to those around her. Our angel passed at Ohio State University at 11:56 AM on March 11, surrounded by
her family and loved ones. Her presence brought warmth to every room she entered, and she will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ardella Woody, please visit our floral store.