Lyla Mae Woodyard's Obituary
Lyla Mae Woodyard
(8-17-21 to 1-8-2017)
Lyla Mae Woodyard was born August 17, 1921 in Dickinson, Alabama to the union of Nancy and Leslie Holloway. She was the youngest child of 5 children from the marriage; 3 boys and 2 girls. Her mother remarried and had 1 son Monroe Ezell from that marriage. She was preceded in death by her 5 siblings: Collis L. Holloway, John C. Holloway, Vasaline R. Holloway, Quincy Holloway, and Monroe Ezell. She passed on January 8, 2017 in Sacramento, California.
She was married to Marion G. Woodyard for 66 years until his passing in April 2008. There were 7 children from their marriage; 6 boys and 1 girl: Melvin L. Woodyard (d) LeBaron M. Woodyard, Ronald S. Woodyard (d), Wayne G. Woodyard (d), Debra N. Woodyard-Holloway, Gregory A. Woodyard, and Lance R. Woodyard.
The family relocated from Mobile, Alabama to Sacramento, Calif. in June 1967. Lyla Woodyard was a federal civil service employee with the U.S. Air Force for 33 years working as an aircraft electronics technician in a period when women were rare in this career field.
Lyla Woodyard was a faithful member of St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Sacramento, California for 48 years.
Lyla Woodyard served the Sacramento Valley District Ushers for many years supporting the growth of their professional development and service to their churches in the following capacities: School of Ushering Chairman from 2008-to 2016 (8 years); School of Ushering Co Chairman from 1978 to 2008 (30 years). She organized the First Ladies Brunch for the School of Ushering with Mrs. Lillie B. White. The brunch was held for 25 years. She served with the Education Department to help raise many dollars for scholarships; Public Relations Department, Ways and Means Committee, Junior and Youth Department as Supervisor, and as Counselor of the Young Adult Department. She held her Instructor Certificate and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from the National School of Ushering.
She also served the Union Usher Board State of California where she attended State Conventions for over 35 years. She served as an Instructor of the School of Ushering and taught classes in the State School. She worked with the Public Relations Department and assisted with the State Host and Hostesses. She was Chairman of the State Alumni Department for several years. Lyla served the National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc where she attended the National Conventions for more than 20 years. She participated in the National School of Ushering and help raise many dollars for the Queen and King Contest. She served with the National Alumni Department and as Judge of many Floor and Drill teams over the years.
Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church located at 2130 4th St. Sacramento, Calif. 95818, on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, beginning at 11:00 AM. Her internment will be at Sunset Lawn Cemetery immediately following the services. A viewing of the body will be held for the family on Tuesday January 17, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM; public viewing will follow immediately from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes located at 4701 Marysville, Blvd., Sacramento, Calif.
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