Johnnie Hope Woodward

Johnnie Hope Woodward , beloved wife, devoted mother, favorite mother-in-law, wonderful sister , terrific grandmother, special aunt and good friend- passed away at a young 81 years of age Saturday, March 26, 2011. She is survived by the love of her life and husband of 63 years, James E. Woodward. The two met and fell in love working for the Atlanta Journal Newspaper when Johnnie was fresh out of Russell High in Atlanta. Johnnie worked for a variety of departments including the food department as Grace Hartley's assistant.Johnnie attended Georgia State University for two years. She and Jimmy were married on March 5, 1949. Together they raised two daughters in Decatur. Johnnie was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Decatur and in particular as a volunteer with the Clothing Room which provides clothes for the needy in the community. She was a 34 year member of the Gleaners Sunday School class where she was the Card Chairman. She was a devoted friend and member of the Sewing Circle Club for over 50 years which has dedicated their lives to helping each other raise their kids, make their homes beautiful, tend to gardens and solve world problems. Johnnie's main life goal was to do for others …she was selfless in her actions and was always thinking of ways to make each person she encountered feel special. She will be greatly missed by her daughters and sons-in-law : Melinda and Jeff Bell and their children; Lindsey Thigpen, Logan Thigpen, and Katarina Bell, Josh Bell. Elizabeth (Beth) and Lance Buchanon and their children; Tiffany and Mike Shamlee, Michelle and Chris Pirkle and Michael Buchanon. By her brother and sisters-in-law: Jim and Ann Hope , Betsy Souppa, Ann and Lamar Smith By her nieces and nephews: Laura Carter and family, Libby Gracik and family, Jimmy Hope, Billy Hope and family, Alan Smith and Family, Mark Smith and Family And five great grandchildren: Heather, Nikole, Jessica, Marissa and Noah. The funeral service will be held Friday, April 1st at 1:00PM at First Baptist Church of Decatur- entombment will follow at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs. The family prefers a donation to the Kidney Foundation or the American Diabetes Association in lieu of Flowers. The family will receive friends Thursday, March 31st from 6:00 -9:00 pm at A. S Turner & Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033