Lynne Woods

Lynne Woods passed away on the first day of her favorite season, Spring, at Cape Fear Valley Hospital, surrounded by love and prayer. Lynne was born April 26th, 1935, in Camden, NJ to Merriman and Rachel Riefler. She grew up in Haddonfield, NJ and spent idyllic summers on Kellows Pond in Honesdale, PA with her beloved Aunt and Uncle. Lynne graduated from Haddonfield High School in 1953 and went on to graduate from Brynn Mawr School of Nursing. It was during her nurses training that she met her beloved husband, Frank Woods. She and Frank were married 48 years until his passing in 2005. She traveled the world with him as an army wife, along with their only child, Susan, and a menagerie of pets throughout the years. Her heart was truly filled by the addition of her cherished granddaughter, Emma.

Lynne was feisty, funny, determined and above all kind. As shown by her chosen profession and her volunteer work, she exemplified the servant heart. She was blessed with an unmatched generosity of spirit, always willing to give of her time, to lend a hand or an ear. She loved working with children and flowers, baking the best cookies and sharing meals with friends. She was a lifelong fan of Philadelphia baseball, especially of the modern-day Phillies and their mascot, the Phanatic. She loved cheering on the NC State Wolfpack, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Philadelphia Eagles. She was always good for a text message during a great game or after a tough loss.

Lynne was a devoted member of Hay Street United Methodist Church. She volunteered in too many ways to mention them all. Singing in the choir every Sunday brought her so much joy! She was the last Hand in Hand volunteer at Margaret Willis Elementary, working with children who needed help with reading – one of her great passions. She was the “Snack Lady” for the Methodist Kids Association for many years. She served on numerous committees and in several administrative roles. She loved decorating her car for Trunk or Treat, singing with the preschool children and helping with VBS. She was a Stephen Minister and a Stephen Leader. She was always there with a helping hand, boxes of cookies or a bowl of potato salad. Lynne was also a volunteer with The CARE Clinic until just a few weeks before her passing, where he would sterilize the instruments for their free dental clinics.

Lynne was a dedicated and faithful friend and neighbor. She loved her daughter and granddaughter so deeply - if you knew her, you knew about them - and she will be missed by them every day. She leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will live on in all who knew her.

Services will be held at Noon on Monday, March 30th at Hay Street UMC. The family invites you to join them for a reception in the fellowship hall after the service, to share memories and celebrate a life well lived. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you make donations in Lynne’s memory to Hay Street United Methodist Church, 320 Hay St., Fayetteville, NC 28301 or The CARE Clinic, 239 Robeson St.