Mirabelle Woods-Roden

Mirabelle Woods-Roden, of Houston, Texas passed away on February 27, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on August 28, 1936, in Llano, Texas, to Thomas Fowler Lanier and Nela Talley, Mirabelle leaves behind a legacy of dedication to education and a zest for travel.

Mirabelle's professional journey in education was marked by significant achievements. She served as the Principal of Janowski Elementary and later as the Assistant Superintendent of HISD. Her true love was holding the position of Principal, at Clifton Middle School for over 20 years, where her leadership and passion for nurturing young minds left a lasting impression .

Her academic achievements were truly remarkable. She graduated high school at the age of 16 to attend the University of Texas in Austin. During this time she demonstrated her dedication to both academic excellence and community involvement by serving as the President of the Phi Mu sorority while pursuing her Bachelor of Education degree.

Her commitment to furthering her knowledge and expertise in the field of education continued as she earned a Master's in Science from the University of Houston. Undoubtedly driven by her passion for education and a desire to make a lasting impact in her field, Mirabelle pursued a Doctorate in Education from the University of Houston where she published many articles and books on Multi-Cultural Education.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Mirabelle had an unsurpassed passion for frogs, amassing a collection of over 10,000 of these unique amphibians. Moreover, she found joy in traveling. She travelled all over the globe exploring new destinations and cultures, but she especially enjoyed the cruises she took with her beloved husband Jack and the many new friends they met.

Mirabelle is preceded in death by her son, Dr. Mark T. Woods, as well as her parents, Nela Talley Basco and Thomas Fowler Lanier, and her first husband, George Clark Woods.

She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Jack Roden, her son George Woods and wife Barbara, her daughter Rosemary Payne, her sister Johnnie Ewing, her brother Thomas Lanier, as well as her grandchildren Andrew Woods, Kelsi Woods, Mark A. Woods, Cheri Stokley, Kelli Zilliox, William Payne, and Walker Payne. Additionally, she is survived by her great-grandchildren Mason Peres, Emily Chapa, Bella Stokley, Haley Stokley, Parker Zilliox, George Woods, and Wren Woods. She is also remembered by her stepdaughters, Tammy B. Harris and Genelle Goode Roden.

Mirabelle's presence will be deeply missed, but her impact on the lives of those she touched will endure as a testament to her remarkable spirit and unwavering dedication to education and community.

A public visitation for Mirabelle will be held Monday, March 4, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505. A a celebration of life will occur Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM, 8501 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505. A committal service will occur Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Grand View Memorial Park, 8501 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505.