Ms. Emma Jean Woodard, RN's Obituary
Emma Jean Pace was born on September 25, 1935, in Bryan, TX, and was the 3rd child of educators Ernest Pace and Millie Williams Pace. She received her early education in Prairie View, Texas. She attended Prairie View A&M University at the early age of 14, to pursue her passion for Nursing, because of her love for taking care of people.
On Sunday, May 19, 1957, she was one of three women to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Prairie View A&M University.
Emma Jean went from cap and gown to a wedding gown and married Robert E. Woodard, Jr. of Beaumont, Texas, on June 23, 1957. To this union were born two beautiful children, Robin Jeane, and Robert E. Woodard, III.
After obtaining her Registered Nursing Credentials for the State of Texas and working at the Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital in Houston, Texas, Emma joined the Beaumont Independent School District as a school nurse. After some time, she decided to pursue her Master of Science Degree in Nursing with a concentration in Obstetrics and Pediatrics, from Texas Women’s University. Shortly after receiving her Masters, she joined the staff of Lamar University as a clinical instructor of nursing and applied health, where she trained nursing students at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas from 1974-1981.
Emma was offered employment opportunities at both Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University. She had a decision to make. She left Lamar University and returned home to join the staff of Prairie View A&M University as the Dean of Pre-clinical Studies in 1981.
In 1984 she married (Roy Hudson) and moved to Fort Worth, Texas, and worked in the Fort Worth Independent School District, until she retired in 1999. Emma remained an active member of Prairie View’s Alumni Association.
While living in Fort Worth, Texas, Emma Jean was an active member of the Community Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Robert J. McGinty. She worked with the Pastor’s Aide and other organizations in the ministry.
Emma Jean moved to Houston, Texas, to be closer to her children and grandchildren in 2003. At that time, she became a member of Compton Memorial COGIC in Galveston, Texas, where her pastor was her son, Elder Robert E. Woodard, III. She remained a faithful member until the end.
Emma Jean’s special gift was making others feel at ease when feeling anxious. In her best soothing tone, she would tell you there was nothing to be nervous about. No matter how long the procedure, her tone remained the same. Before you knew it, it’s all over. No matter the age, size, or gender, Emma was confident in her choice of treatment and diagnosis. Cousins, nieces, and nephews, affectionately referred to Emma Jean, as “Granny” or “Aunt Jean”. She was adored and respected by everyone that knew her. She had the unique ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and important; and she was fiercely protective of those she loved. The mere mention of her name sparked conversation and stories about her discipline tactics back in the day. She was creative and talented with her hands and enjoyed a variety of hobbies that showcased her flawless sewing abilities, crocheting, and quilting.
Emma Jean went to be with the Lord on May 22, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Essie Lacy, and Millie Montgomery, and her Brothers, Royce and Roy Cecil Pace.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Robin Jeane Woodard-Paige (Jimmy) and Robert E. Woodard III (Diana); grandchildren, Lorde Byron Olliver (Jamie), Aeriel Smith, Morgan Woodard, Chelsi Woodard, Robert Woodard IV, Isaiah Woodard, Ashley Woodard, Alicia Callahan; great-grandchildren, Amauri Olliver, Summer Paige Woodard Smith, and a host of close relatives, nieces and nephews.
Her life will be celebrated on Saturday June 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Compton Memorial COGIC, 2628 Ball St., Galveston, TX, 77550. Visitation will be prior to service, starting at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of various floral arrangements, the family requests Gardenia bushes, that will be planted in her honor.
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