Mavis, affectionately known by her family as “Tootsie,” was born in “Happy Hollow” in the Lobutcha Community on February 24, 1930, to Audley Andrew and LuVeda McDaniel Jennings. She married Willis “Clarence” Woods in 1948 and they joined South Louisville Baptist Church in 1955 where she has been an active member in everything from Sunday school to evening service. She was actively involved in the VIP Group activities at church such as Bible study, traveling, lunches, and speakers. Mavis would sometimes comment that someone attended who was “too young for the VIP group” or someone did not attend even though they were old enough to attend! After his return from World War II, she and Clarence purchased Woods Grocery where, for many years, they served their community. After working long hours at the store each day, she enjoyed her “therapy” of planting flowers,working in her yard and her needlework.
Mavis is survived by her daughter Cathy Woods Kiningham and husband Tom of Sewanee, Tennessee; and her daughter-in-law Beverly Woods of Louisville. One of her greatest joys was being “Grandmother” to her grandchildren: Stephanie Townsend, Jason (Misty) Townsend, Amber (Travis) Naccarato, Spring (Chris) Moody, and Andrew Woods; and her 11 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind three sisters: Mamie Sue (Guy) Woods, Margie Fay (Thomas) Scott, and Betty Jo (John) Mitchell. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Willis “Clarence” Woods; her beloved son Andy Woods; and her parents.
Serving as pallbearers are Chris Moody, Travis Naccarato, Michael Patsolic, Ethan Townsend, Jason Townsend, Landon Townsend, and Andrew Woods. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in honor of Mavis be given to South Louisville Baptist Church, 933 South Church Avenue, Louisville, MS 39339.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
