James E. Woods

James E. Woods began his life Journey on September 3, 1922 as the only son of four children born to Cletus and Lizzy Woods in Salisbury, North Carolina At an early age; James realized the education. He attended Monroe Elementary and on there he would often walk across he campus of Living College and see student son the way to class This made him strive to complete his formal studies so that he too could attend college one day and improve his life. He attended J. C. Price High School where he excelled in basket, playing center and football, playing tight end in 1941, J. C. Price Football team went undefeated and underscored upon winning ten games and the state championship, an accomplishment he bragged about for the rest of his life. Upon graduating from high school James left Salisbury and relocated to Washington, D.C. Where he found a job in the cafeteria at the Department of Justice Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the U.S. Army spending three and a half years in Liberia, West Africa where he obtained the rank of sergeant. After his honorable discharge in 1945, James enrolled at the then Morgan State College. While attending Morgan, he was fortunate to meet and marry Gertrude Marie Faidley. He graduated from Morgan with a Bachelor of Science degree. James and Gertrude were married for forty two years; and out of this union two children were born, Yvonne Diane and Charles Edward. While raising his family, he worked at the Bethlehem Steel and the U.S. Post Office. James began his teaching career in the early 50's at Lexington Terrace Elementary School #19. While maintaining a full – time job and raising a family, he pursued a graduate degree in Psychology (Guidance and Counseling at the Towson State College. Upon receiving his Master's degree, he was assigned to Lyndhurst Elementary as a guidance counselor. He continued on this path at Walbrook and Forest Park High Schools for thirty five . Because of his love for children, he continued to work five additional years at Cherry Hill Elementary School as a retired educator. The Woods family worshipped at the Ebenezer Baptist Church where James served as the Chairman of trustee Board and was later selected by the church to serve as q Deacon, Additionally, he taught Sunday school, served as a bible study teacher for the Super Sixties Plus Ministry, and was instrumental in training Ebenezer's young deacons. The Ebenezer Disciples became his extended family where he formed long and lasing relationships that he cherished to the end. James extended his religious outreach by joining the leadership of J. Martin Capehart. He served in the positions of Corresponding and Financial Secretary. At one time, he was the president of the Gideon's Northwest Baltimore Camp. Each year James looked forward to participating in local as well as national conferences where he was able to interact with his faith family. In retirement, he has various interests such as the Association for the study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the Retired Teacher's Association, and was an avid sports fan of his beloved Baltimore Orioles and Ravens. James' favorite passage of scripture that he found comforting in times of need was Proverbs 3:5-6 which reads, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding . In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy Path”. James leaves a devoted, Yvonne Diane; son Charles Edward, son-in-law, Joseph C. Howard Jr.” loving sister Dorothy Gray of Salisbury, North Carolina; four sisters, Martha A. Parker, Alma R. Turner, Grace P. Wills, and Mae L. Cumber batch of Baltimore; caring nieces, Doris Browne, Yvonne Felton, Deborah Gibson and Christina Gray; nephew, James and Edward Gibson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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James E. Woods

September 3, 1922 - May 23, 2016