Sandra Leigh Woodard

Sandra Leigh Woodard passed away, cradled by Jesus in blissful sleep, on August 25, 2023 at the age of 80 years. She was preceded in death by her parents Margaret (Sherrill) Jenkins and Carl Richard Jenkins, Sr.; brother Carl Richard Jenkins, Jr.; and husband Reverend Dr. Louis H. Woodard. She is survived by immediate family members: brother Charles Jenkins; sons, Mark (Sharon) Woodard and David (Debbie) Woodard; and grandsons, Joshua Woodard and Gavin and Owen Woodard.

Sandra was born in Hickory, NC and as the only female among three siblings “Sandy” was lovingly doted on by her mother and grandmother. As a young woman living in Kingsport, TN, Sandra met the love of her life, Louis - a student minister serving an assignment in Hot Springs, NC - on a blind date during the summer of 1963. They were married in August 1964 after which followed a life of purpose and distinction as a clergy wife, mother, teacher, mentor, servant-leader, and community-builder. A woman of faith and grace, she was a student of the scriptures and Christian literature and became a wonderful complement to Louis’s ministry spanning 50+ years in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Sandra was a loving, generous, and courageous mother to Mark and David; her patience through the trials and tribulations of raising two “preacher’s kids” was, in hindsight, a gift of biblical proportions. She was well-prepared to be a grandmother to three rambunctious boys, Gavin, Joshua, and Owen; the light of love shone brightly from within whenever she spent time with her grandsons during family visits, holidays, and “Grammy camp”.

Sandra was devoted to the care and nurturing of the soul, and enjoyed cultivating mindfulness through journaling, embroidery, meditation, gardening and, occasionally, yoga. In her later years as a resident of Little Switzerland, nestled within her beloved western North Carolina mountains, Sandra served as a volunteer lay leader for the Carolinas Chapter of Discover God’s Call, a self-study and 3-day retreat program to assist participants in identifying and using their God-given spiritual gifts in ministry within local churches and communities. But Sandra may be remembered best, with gratitude and love by her family and friends, for some of the many lessons she taught by example throughout her life:

In the beauty of nature can be found the presence of God.

All voices are equal and deserve to be heard, without judgment.

Treat others as you yourself would like to be treated.

In all things, do your best.

Enjoy competition but win with humility and lose with dignity.

To turn the other cheek is a sign of strength not weakness.

Welcome love, and dream dreams.

A walk in the woods is always a worthwhile investment.

Love one another.

Sandra’s earthly journey ended in August 2023 and though we mourn the loss of her presence we revel in the knowledge that she has ascended to her final home in the mountains of heaven. She was loved and will be missed.

Sandra’s family would like to gratefully acknowledge the staff of Bermuda Village retirement community in Advance, NC, and especially those of Graystone Cottage Assisted Living for the compassionate care, companionship, and active living afforded to Sandra during her last years.

A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held on Saturday, September 16 at 2:00 pm at Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home, 2849 Middlebrook Drive, Clemmons with Reverend Jeremy Troxler officiating. Attendees will have the opportunity to share memories or reflect on Sandra’s life during the ceremony; a reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation (https://www.brpfoundation.org) or Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org).