Mrs. Hortense Ewell Woods

On Friday, August 15, 2014, an Angel quietly walked over this earth and took our loved one to her Heavenly Home. She made her transition into eternity at 11:00 a.m. at OSF Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois. Mrs. Hortense E. Woods, 67, was born on July 14, 1947 in Jackson, TN. to Willie B. and Thersey (Williamson) Ewell, the oldest of three children. There, she was a graduate of Merry High School and received her Bachelor's Degree in 1968 from Lane College. In 1979, she received her Master of Arts Degree from Bradley University. During her youth, she professed her faith in Christ and became a member of Lane Tabernacle C.M.E. Church. After moving to Peoria, IL, she became a member of Bethel United Methodist Church where she was very active and served on various committees, including Church Council, Trustee Board, Church Treasurer, Finance Chairperson, and Bethel United Methodist Women. Mrs. Woods was employed by Peoria School District #150 for 35 years as a teacher at Greeley, Longfellow, and Lincoln Middle School. She loved teaching and her students. She retired in June, 2003. She met Larry D. Woods after moving to Peoria and they were married on November 24, 1973. They have two sons: Darrick and Sidney. She leaves to cherish her most precious memories, her beloved husband, Larry D. Woods; her sons, Dr. Darrick Woods, of Phoenix, AZ and Sidney Woods, of Washington, DC; two brothers, Melvin (Geraldine) Ewell and Elvin Ewell, all of Jackson, TN; and three grandchildren, Elliyah, Eriana, and Darrick; two nephews, Melvin Jr. and Elvin Jr.; two nieces, Melanie and Keisha; and a host of other relatives and friends. She has two special friends, Ruthie T. Hamer (since childhood) and Minnie Summers. She was preceded in death by her Father and her Mother. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 23, 2014, at First United Methodist Church of Peoria, 116 N E Perry Ave. A visitation will be held two hours prior to services beginning at 9 a.m. Rev. Gary Wilson, Pastor of Bethel UMC will officiate. Hortense will be laid to rest at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 210 N. Richard Pryor PL, Peoria, Illinois 61605-2348. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com.

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Mrs. Hortense Ewell Woods

July 14, 1947 - August 15, 2014