Esther Dye Woodard

Mrs. Esther Mae Dye Woodard, 92, entered into rest on Sunday, September 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Esther was born in Elberton, GA, on July 27, 1932 the daughter of the late Floyd Seaborn Dye Sr. and Ruby Inez Smith Dye. 

A true southern lady, Esther graduated from Falling Creek School class of 1949, which was the last class to finish high school there with only 13 graduates that year. She earned her degree in business from Elberton Business School, and moved to Atlanta she worked with Southern Bell Telephone Company. There she married Ethan Phillip Woodard. The Woodard Family moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1952 where they started their family. She was the loving and devoted mother of three sons. Esther worked with King Edwards Cigar. Esther retired from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida in 1993 where she had been a dedicated employee for 17 years. 

During her teen years, she joined Falling Creek Baptist Church, where her father was a deacon. In Jacksonville, Florida Esther attended Calvary Baptist Church as long as her health permitted. 

Esther enjoyed traveling and dining and most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. Esther lived will and to the fullest. She loved all and was loved by all. She will be greatly missed and never, never forgotten.

Survivors include sons Howard Woodard and wife Joan of Jacksonville, FL, Joseph Woodard and wife Sharon of Jacksonville, FL, grandchildren Heather Liston, Jody Mathis, Christopher Woodard, Jessica Woodard and Allen Woodard and twelve great grandchildren, siblings Sara McCannon of Elberton, GA and Dr. Linda Dye of Pensacola FL and host of nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, she is proceeded in death by her son John Woodard, siblings Floyd Dye Jr., Thomas Dye, Dora Dye, Betty Bond, Kathleen Griffith, Mary Anne McGee. 

Honorary Pallbearers will include Allen Woodard II, Christopher Woodard, Allen McCannon, Floyd Dye, Frank McGee and Anthony Dye.

Arrangements in care of Corey-Kerlin Furneal Home and Crematory South 940 Celery Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida. Viewing Friday, September 13, 2024 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024 2:00 PM in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Adams officiating.

Arrangements in care of Berry Funeral Home and Crematory of Elberton, 1265 Washington Hwy, Elberton, Georgia 30635.