Grace Elizabeth (Pearson) Woodruff

Grace Elizabeth Pearson was born in Spartanburg County on Thursday, June 20, 1940 a daughter of the late Guy and Mattie McMillian Pearson.  

She matriculated through Spartanburg County Schools and graduated as the Valedictorian in the 1958 class of Florence Chapel High School in Wellford, SC. She was one of four who received the Prestigious Spartanburg County Scholarship that year. She furthered her education at South Carolina State College, Orangeburg, SC where she received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education in May of 1962.

Her teaching career begin at Cumming Street School as a 3rd grade teacher. She taught there until it closed in 1971 due to integration. She transferred to Chapman Elementary as a fourth grade teacher and retired after 30 years in May of 1992. She loved teaching and continued as a substitute teacher for several years. She encouraged all of her students to do their best and to never give up. Her favorite saying to them was, “ Its’s as easy as falling off a greasy log.” Her gifts of wisdom, patience, ability to encourage others, and love for children made her an excellent teacher.

On Friday, December 20, 1963 , she was united in Holy Matrimony to Isaaiah Woodruff who preceded her in death. To this union a son was born, Isaiah Woodruff II.

 As her name “Grace” implies, she was a generous and kind lady with a “heart of gold” who always tried to live by God’s Word. She was a faithful member of Travelers Rest Baptist Church where she served as: a Sunday School teacher, vacation bible school teacher, a missionary, the after school program, and a tutor/mentor for the Wednesday night youth bible study.

She also worked as a Poll Manager at the Travelers Rest Precinct and delivered Meals On Wheels. She faithfully assisted her dear friends with running errands, driving to appointments, cooking dinners, and being eyes for the blind all while her health was declining.

No matter what life placed in her path, she continued to have a smile, never complaining, but always counting her blessings and praising her Lord and Savior.

She was a devoted daughter, a loving wife and mother, a dedicated sister, a caring aunt, the greatest mother-in-law and a dependable friend. We thank God for blessing us with Grace in our life. Her legacy will live on in our hearts.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by: a daughter, Patricia Woodruff Gilmore, a brother, Frank Goodlett and a sister, Shirley Davis.

Grace entered eternal rest on Sunday, November 24, 2019 in Emory University Hospital, Atlanta GA.

She leaves to cherish loving memories: sons, Isaiah Woodruff of Alexandria, VA, Glen Woodruff of the home; sisters, Gwendolyn (Melvin) Whiteside of Startex, SC and Barbara (J. C.) Drummond of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren, Monique (Arnold) Mazique of Rockmart, GA, Tyler  Woodruff (Valerie Abbey) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Lagwinnda Woodruff and Statis Woodruff of Spartanburg, SC; great grandchildren, Caden and Kyler Mazique of Rockmart, GA, Gabriel Woodruff of Myrtle Beach, SC and; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 pm Sunday, December 1, 2019 in Travelers Rest Baptist Church with the pastor, Rev. Leon Wright, officiating. Burial will follow in the church Cemetery.

 The Gilmore Mortuary -Greer

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