Ann Elizabeth Woods

Ann Elizabeth Woods of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on December 27, 2022, at the age of 76, with her sons by her side. Ann was born February 27, 1946, in Beaufort County, North Carolina to the late Franklin and Elizabeth DeMilt. Ann is preceded in death by Franklin DeMilt (brother) and Marie Meiners (sister). She is survived by loving sons Michael Woods and Mark Woods, grandchildren John Woods and Katelyn Woods. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Ann’s greatest love in life was being a MOM to Michael and Mark.

She was a 1964 graduate of Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia. She began a career at SunTrust to provide extra things for her boys, like joining the neighborhood pool where they spent summers swimming with friends, getting needed athletic equipment to play sports, or just going out for fast food which turned into a 3-decade career. She worried about them, rooted for them, protected them, forgave them, and always loved them. She never missed a game, sporting event or any occasion to show support for her sons.

She was commonly known as “Ms. Woods” to all the neighborhood kids who became her extended family. Mom loved them too! She would check on them, encourage them, and from time to time she would feed them. Mom enjoyed seeing everyone with a full belly and made sure no one went away hungry. If you did anything for her, you could count on being fed. Mom loved a house full of smiling faces and contagious laughter!

She was Nana to John and Katelyn and cherished every minute they spent together. From the time each was born their Nana was there, never turning down a chance to babysit or just be near them. Having grandchildren gave a renewed spark for life and restored the twinkle to her eyes. As they grew and years passed, she attended birthdays, awards ceremonies, extra-curricular and sporting events. It didn’t matter what the occasion, she was always present and supportive. Each held their own special place in her heart. Only Nana could call John by his middle name, Tyler. John never complained and would just smile when she would yell for Tyler! Nana didn’t hesitate to provide “her Tyler” with a foot massage to help him relax after a hard day. Katelyn and Nana would always talk about fashion and shopping. “Katelyn is the best shopper and knows how to find deals. She wears me out.” she would say and laugh that Katelyn was the only person that could out shop her. She loved the fact that her grandchildren would come by to do chores for her and would take time out of their busy young lives to play board games with their Nana. She was especially proud of that time with them.

Mom’s hobbies were the beach and anything with a beach vibe. She always enjoyed a day sitting in the sand and soaking up the sun. She loved to sit on her back porch and watch the birds eat from bird feeders in her yard. She got so upset when the squirrels would eat the birdseed. So, she got the squirrels their own food. From time to time, she would discover other animals like ducks or bunnies living in her backyard. She enjoyed watching and feeding them all. Mom loved life and was an inspiration to so many. She will always be the ‘Wind Beneath Our Wings’.

Mom will be desperately missed by all of us that she left behind. Our hearts are broken by this unexpected loss. She was kind, generous, compassionate, and never had a harsh word to say about anyone. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed. Mom would want us to celebrate her life and not mourn her leaving. Please share a smile with someone today in her memory. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of sending flowers please consider contributing to the American Heart Association in memory of Ann Elizabeth Woods.

https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/virginia/norfolk