Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1932

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Lakeview Funeral Home & Cemetery - Wichita

12100 East 13th St N

Wichita, Kansas

Gerald Woodson Obituary

Gerald Woodson
January 15, 1932 - January 16, 2022
Wichita, Kansas - Gerald Andrew Woodson was born on January 15, 1932, in Hutchinson, Kansas to James A. Woodson and Thelma M. Plummer. Gerald and his twin, Geraldine were the seventh and eighth of eleven children. Gerald was the oldest by 15-minutes. He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Bertha Mae Woodson; his parents, James and Thelma Woodson, two sisters, Anna Marie and Joyce; and four brothers, James Jr., Loyal, Kenneth and Jeffrey. Gerald graduated from Hutchinson High School and soon joined the Air Force and served from 1952 – 1956. While stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, he met Bertha Mae Jenkins in Montgomery, Alabama. They were married in March of 1956, moved to Hutchinson, KS, Gerald's hometown and later to Wichita and made their home there. To this union three children were born, a daughter, Sheila Booker, a son, Lyndon K. Woodson and daughter, Tamara Woodson-Smith. After leaving the Air Force, Gerald worked at the US Postal Service and retired after 37 years, he had a short stent as an entrepreneur (Brother's Incorporated). He was also active in several civil rights protests in Hutchinson. He and Bertha briefly attended St. Paul AME Church and then joined 9th Street Church of God, where he was a devoted Trustee. Gerald was influential when it came to giving sound logical advice. A few of his favorite sayings were "use good judgment, a mind is a terrible thing to waste, and it will pass in a rush." He recited inspirational and philosophical quotes that he loved to toss out randomly. He also loved to use Spanglish when greeting family members. Gerald was an avid reader; he was a member of the book club, enjoyed going to the library and encouraged the love of reading to his children and grandchildren. Gerald enjoyed discussing the latest financial/stock market news, studying the bible, he was often involved in friendly and lively scriptural, political, and ethical debates with family members. His main sparring partner was his sister-in-law, Joan Woodson. Gerald like many of the Woodsons had a sweet tooth, one of his favorites was the "special" a/k/a peanut butter and syrup stirred to a smooth-silky perfection and served with bread, but Gerald would spread the special on practically anything especially cake and honeybuns. He had a very eclectic taste in music enjoying everything from big band, pop, jazz, and R&B. Some of his favorite artists were Billy Eckstein, Sarah Vaughan, Johnny Mathis, Anita Baker and Whitney Houston. Gerald was an aggressive game player; he taught his children how to deal with the agony of defeat and never "let" us win, even when learning. He played chess, checkers, dominos, cards and was the king of playing jacks. Some of the fond memories spending time with dad were watching endless episodes of Star Trak, westerns, boxing and taking family vacations. The memories of Gerald will be cherished by his dedicated children, Shelia (Walter) E. Booker, Bowie, MD, Lyndon Woodson, Wichita, KS, Tamara (Al) Woodson-Smith, Atlanta, GA; two grandchildren, Dr. Corenthian (Kathy) Booker, Durham, NC, Aris Smith, Atlanta, GA; and five great-grandchildren, Xander, Bryn, Koen, Ezra and Blaise Booker, Durham, NC. Funeral Service, 12:30pm on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Lakeview Funeral Home Chapel, Wichita.

Published by Wichita Eagle on Jan. 20, 2022.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Woodson

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Gerald, I have known the Woodson family longer than any one as we grew up as neighbors. I will be 94 this year. Think of you and your family often.

Johnny Martinez

January 14, 2023

Gerald, I have known you for your entire life. I have childhood memories growing up on West Avenue E. RIP.

Johnny Martinez

January 22, 2022

Camille, Andrew and June

January 21, 2022

Rest Gerald, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Air Force.

Harry Simpson

Other

January 20, 2022

My thoughts and prayers to the Woodson family. I worked with Woody at the Postal Service. He was one of my favorite people. The greatest person to take breaks with because he always had an interesting question or comment to get everyone talking. May you be reunited with your wife and RIP.

Sara Faucette

January 20, 2022

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Gerald Woodson's name

Memorial Events
for Gerald Woodson

Jan

22

Funeral service

12:30 p.m.

Lakeview Funeral Home & Cemetery - Wichita

12100 East 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67206

Funeral services provided by:

Lakeview Funeral Home & Cemetery - Wichita

12100 East 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67206

How to support Gerald's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gerald Woodson's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more