Lavern Denise Woodland

On February 1, 1958 in Baltimore, Maryland, a beautiful baby girl, LAVERN DENISE WOODLAND, the sixth of seven children was born to the late James Thomas Woodland, Sr. and Catherine Marie Stewart Woodland. Lavern returned to The Lord on May 3, 2023. Her sisters, Harriet Elaine Brown and Joyce Ann Butler predeceased her. Lavern’s grade school years were in the Baltimore City Public School System. Early in life loving ways and kindheartedness were evident. She was protective of friends and family who were younger or being mistreated or in need of a friend. In 1976 she graduated from Frederick Douglass Senior High School. Lavern’s thirst for knowledge led her to further her education. She received an A.A. degree in Computer Technology from Baltimore City Community College. In 1994, she graduated from Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information of Sciences System. Then in 1998, Lavern earned a Master of Science Degree from the School of Engineering in Transportation, from Morgan State University. With education in the forefront of her academic and employment experiences, she encouraged students to strive for higher learning that would meet their needs. She believed whether students worked toward a trade, a certificate, or college degree, they should aim as high as their abilities would allow them and then some! Lavern has been employed since her teen years. Places of employment included:Apex Beauty and Barber School, Neighborhood Youth Corp, Travel Committee, Father Charles Hall Lower School and Morgan State University. During her career at MSU for 37 years, she worked in The Academic Computer Department and Department of Information Technology. The loves of her life, Jabari and Amir (who predeceased her in death), gave her sunshine each and every day. Her motherly lessons helped foster wisdom in her children to make positive choices. When their choices did not work for the best, she taught them to reevaluate their life experiences. Lavern afforded them the opportunity to experience much of what life has to offer. Engagement in athletics, the Arts, STEM and world traveling helped to keep them focused and aware that this world offers much to many. Her children were raised to be upstanding Christian men of courage and fortitude who are positive citizens in the community. Lavern was a proud mother who was humbled by the young men that they had become. Lavern’s strong Christian upbringing never wavered. No matter how difficult or rewarding life got, she gave Thanks To God for bringing her thru the good and bad times. She always saw the best in everything and everyone. She leaned on The Lord to give her strength. Lavern was a lifelong member of St. Peter Claver & St. Pius V Church. Her service ministry included: Sunday School Teacher, Imani Gospel Choir member, Youth Group Advisor, Ladies of Charity and St. Vincent de Paul Society, Greeters’ Ministry, Social Club, Fundraising Committee and Sandwich Sunday Ministry. Lavern continued a family tradition of hosting Sunday dinner at her home. This always made a way for her siblings to visit their Mom each week and on holidays. Family relationships were important to her and she never wanted to lose that connection. Lavern engaged in many leisure activities. Yearly vacations with family and friends gave her much joy. Cruising was her favorite type of vacation. She was a phenomenal crafter and designer. Her Christmas crafts were on display at Morgan State University’s Student Center, Kennedy Krieger’s Festival of Trees, at her church, in family members’ homes and of course her home. She had a love for gardening. Lavern planted flowers in family members’ yards and of course her yard. As a do-it-yourself-er, she could paint and do small repairs. Although Lavern was not trained as a chef, she was culinary gifted. Her recipes were always made with love and fresh ingredients. If she learned of your favorite dish, she would bless you with that item, “just because.” Everyone who tasted her recipes had a favorite! Number one on the list of favorites is potato salad. She was an avid Ravens fan. Youth gravitated to Lavern. With a gentle sternness, she taught them skills, explained the importance of completing whatever they began and that making excuses is not acceptable. She also cautioned them to be the best employee or employer that they could be even through challenging situations. Give thanks no matter what. Her legacy of Love will forever be remembered. Her words built people up, not tore them down. She leaves to cherish her memory: a devoted and loving son, Jabari Sei Whyee; siblings, James T. Woodland, Jr. (Naomi), Charlotte McIver (Benjamin), Rochelle Woodland, Kathy Woodland Outlaw (Linwood, Jr.); nephews and nieces, Kyle Woodland (Lisa), Dante McIver, Linwood Outlaw III, Kiya Outlaw; great nieces and nephews, Kaylie and Kayden Woodland, Mikaila McIver; devoted friends, Deborah Grady, Grace Steele and Annie Tarachand; sister friend, Denise McNeal; god-children, Matthew McNeal, Carlin R. Brown III, Donita Lewis; special Daughter, Rachel Daugherty; special cousins, Soretta White and Rev. Veronica James; fur grand-babies, Nya and Biscotti; and a host of relatives and friends. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30

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Lavern Denise Woodland

February 1, 1958 - May 3, 2023