Mary Woods Obituary

Mary A. Woods, a loving and devoted mother, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2023, at the age of 75. Born on September 11, 1947, in Joiner, Arkansas. Mary was the daughter of Bennie W. and Annie McClain Phillips. She was a wife to her late husband, Ervin Woods, for twenty-seven years. Mary attended Westview High School in Kankakee. Mary was a member of the Greater New Hope Baptist Church, In her professional life, Mary worked at Manteno Mental Health as a Mental Health Technician for 20 years, Harbor House and Bradley House. Mary's interests included sewing, making clothes, which she loved doing. Mary's witty humor was another defining aspect of her personality. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin Woods; her parents, Bennie W. and Annie Phillips; and her brother, Bennie W. Phillips, Jr. She is survived by her loving children, Cynthia Traylor, Cotina Woods, and Cory Kizer; her brothers Larry Newton of Baytown, TX and James (Melvina) Phillips of DeKalb, IL; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Mary's life was a testament to the power of love and kindness, as she consistently put the needs of others before her own.