James L. Woods Sr.

James Lane Woods, Sr, affectionately known as “Sonny” and “Pop”, departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at Christiana Hospital. Sonny was born on October 24, 1934 to the late William D. Woods and Essie Mae Jackson Woods, in Smyrna, Delaware. Sonny received his early education in Smyrna schools and graduated from Louis L. Redding High School. Sonny committed many years of service to Pabst Blue Ribbon, NKS, Construction, Delaware City Refinery, Shore Stop, and the State of Delaware in New Castle County. He was extremely helpful to those in need and serviced people with love, laughter, compassion and understanding. Sonny joined Lee’s Chapel Church. He sang in the Men’s choir and also served as an usher. Sonny possessed a long-life passion for antique cars, driving in parades, and attending car shows. He loved the open road and taking trips with his family. He was also dedicated to the local Democratic party and would often put up signs, attend meetings, and encourage people to vote. Sonny was preceded in death by his mother, Essie Mae Jackson Woods; father, William D. Woods; sister, Patricia Perkins-Woods; brother, Clifton Reed; son, Kelvin “Cookie” Jefferson; sisters-in-law, Betty H. Reed, Elise Jeffcoat and Bonnie Ponzo; brothers-in-law, Ted Wiggins and Rayfield Wiggins; great granddaughter, Amiyah Freeman and devoted nephew, Calvin Reed, Sr., who was dedicated to helping his uncle get to his doctors’ appointments and stores or anywhere Pop needed to go, until his untimely passing two years ago. Now they can cruise around Heaven together all day long! Sonny is survived by his wife of 57 years, Celestine Woods; sons, James Woods, Jr., of New Castle, DE, Donald Woods of Dover, DE and Michael Woods of Townsend, DE; three daughters, Jean Woods of Townsend, DE, Norma Watson (Lester) of Townsend, DE and Celestine Woods-Harris of Dover, DE; three brothers, Alvin Woods (Tammy) of Wilmington, DE, Derell Woods of Georgia and Tony Ponzo of Wilmington, DE; two sisters, Mary E. Williams (Bernard) of Smyrna, DE and Kim Tate of Middletown, DE; brother-in-law, Michael Gaines; and 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews and friends of many years. Sonny also leaves devoted family to include: son-in-law, Lester “Junie” Watson; brother-in-law, Norman Reed; neighbors: Robert “Bobby” and Jackie Collins; friends, James Baynard, Larry and Ruby Dillmore and Kenneth “Slim” Burke; grandsons, Prentice Woods, Caden Sagers and Niobi Watson; granddaughters, Tedra Gilmore, Arshae Townsend, Tanita Freeman, Shinita Freeman and Brontae Ray; and niece: Renee Reed. Lovingly Submitted by the Family

James L. Woods Sr.

October 24, 1934 - October 22, 2019