Elise Murphy Woodard

Portsmouth-Elise Murphy Woodard, 98, of the 1300 block of Atlanta Avenue was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 1, 2012. She was an alumnus of Hampton University and completed the ACE curriculum requirements for Pastor-Principal. She was a retired educator having worked in both Portsmouth and Norfolk Public School Systems. Reverend Elise Woodard was the founder and pastor of The First Church of Deliverance and the principal of Deliverance Christian School. She was a former member of Emanuel AME Church. Reverend Woodard was also a member of several organizations; Cascade Retreat, Interdenominational Ministers Forum of Portsmouth & Vicinity, the African American Historical Society of Portsmouth, VA, Hampton University Alumni Association, NAACP, Prentis Park Civic League and Hampton University Emeritus Class. Reverend Woodard was active in the community and hosted a popular program, “The Sunday School Forum of the Air” broadcasted on WRAP radio. She was the weekly speaker on WTJZ ‘s “Bread of Life Bible Study”. Reverend Woodard was editor and publisher of the “Voice of Deliverance” and was involved in the prison ministry in the Portsmouth City Jail. She received many awards and recognitions and was celebrated in 2005 for 50 years of ministry. She was also a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority. As a minister, she visited the Holy Land, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Italy, Nigeria, Morocco, England, India, Napal, Tibet, China, and the Philippines. Reverend Woodard was predeceased by her husband, Charles Woodard, Sr. Left to cherish her memory is one son, Charles Woodard, Jr. (Renee) of MD, two daughters; Carolyn A. Woodard of MD and Frances Woodard Tillar (Elmo) of VA; and Michael R. Elliott (Betty) of VA whom she considered a son. Grandchildren: Edward J. Gaynor of Washington, DC, Kyrus W. Whitehurst (Brian) of VA, Rev. Adrian S. Woodard (April) of NJ, Joi E. Jones of VA, Dr. Kristinza W. Giese (Jay), of WI, Ryan Jones (Camille) and Benjamin Jones of VA. Also left to cherish her memory are nieces, Myrna F. Edwards (Robert) of MI and Doreatha Zachery of MI; eight great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Viewing will be held on Sunday, July 8 from 4 pm until 7 pm at J. T. Fisher Funeral Services, 1248 N George Washington Hwy., Chesapeake, VA. A life celebration service will be held at 11am on Monday, July 9 at Grove Baptist Church, 5910 West Norfolk Road, Portsmouth, VA where the pastor is Dr. Melvin O. Marriner. Pastor Joe B. Fleming will be the officiator and Pastor A. R. George, pastor of The First Church of Deliverance is the eulogist. The family has entrusted J. T. Fisher Funeral Services to handle the final care arrangements. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.jtfisherfuneralservices.com

Elise Murphy Woodard

September 6, 1913 - July 1, 2012