Bernice Stout Woodard

Bernice Woodard, 93, of Cleveland, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2020 at her home.  She was born in Lawrence County, Illinois, the fourth of the ten children of James and Alice Stout.  Five of her siblings, Geraldine, Wanda, Garnet, Paul and Esther preceded her in death.  Surviving are four siblings, Calvin Stout of Alton, IL, Naomi Urfer of Oblong, IL, Eleanor Sheeks of Cleveland, TN and Don Stout of Columbus, OH; sister-in-law, Estella Stout of Primghar, IA and “adopted” daughter, Esther Witcher of Forrest City, AR.

She married Aubrey Woodard in 1960.  Their marriage and life in Memphis was a happy season, but it would end in 1974, the result of Aubrey’s unsuccessful brain tumor surgery. 

Bernice was an ordained Church of God minister.  She was highly regarded as a Bible scholar, teacher and effective communicator.  Her calling and gifts found expression in ministry opportunities throughout the United States, as well as employment in the Church of God Youth and Christian Education and Publication Departments. 

She was a loyal supporting member of North Cleveland Church of God where she served many years as assistant teacher of Unity Sunday School class and Bible teacher of the Tuesday morning Women’s Prayer and Praise group.

Following retirement in 1988 Bernice enrolled at the Church of God School of Theology where she earned a master of arts in Christian ministry.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful….enter into the joy of your Lord.”  (Matthew 25:34)

A celebration of Bernice’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2020 at the Dixon Chapel at North Cleveland Church of God with Pastor Mark Williams officiating.  The burial will take place on Saturday at Memory Hill Gardens in Memphis, TN. 

The family requests memorials be made to the Bernice Stout Woodard Endowed Scholarship at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 3330, Cleveland, TN  37320.

Serenity of Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.   You may view and send condolences to the Woodard family guest book at www. serenityfunerals.com.