Pat Woods 1931-2020

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Pat Woods, 89, of Winnsboro, formerly of Thomasboro, Ill., passed away following a short illness on Sept. 15, 2020 in Winnsboro.

Pat was born in Seymour, Ind., grew up in Columbus, Ind. and moved to Rantoul, Ill. as a young woman where she worked as a school secretary and later as a ticket agent for Trans World Airlines. She married Peter J. Woods of Rantoul, Ill. on June 5, 1960. For 53 years she and Pete lived in the Rantoul/Thomasboro area. Pat moved to Winnsboro in 2014.  

Her greatest pleasure was crafting, and she will be remembered by friends and family for the beautiful Christmas ornaments she made by hand for many years. A superb pianist, in her younger years she served as a church pianist and in recent years has brought joy to many as she played the piano for residents at Autumn Wind Assisted Living in Winnsboro, responding to requests at will and sometimes playing just for pleasure.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Della F. (VanOsdol) Waggoner; older sister, Dorothy Waggoner Murphy; and by her beloved husband, Pete Woods.

She is survived by her sister, June Hatton of Winter Haven, Fla.; her niece, Marti and husband Jerry Busbee of Yantis; great-nephew, Loren Busbee and wife Deidra of Prosper; great-nephew, John Busbee and wife Michelle of Dayton, Ohio; her niece, Sally Hatton; great-niece, Katie and husband Kevin Nicholson; and great-nephew, Brian Hatton, all of Winter Haven, Fla.

A home-going celebration was held on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 2:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Quitman, with Rev. Keefe Cropper officiating, followed by refreshments in the Celebration Room. A second celebration will be held on Sept. 30 at 1:30 p.m. at Autumn Wind Assisted Living to celebrate Pat and to honor the staff at Autumn Wind. 

Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church Quitman/Operation Christmas Child, 406 E. Lane Street, Quitman, TX 75783 or to a charity of your choice.

Special thanks are extended to Pat’s personal care-givers, the staff of Autumn Wind, Winnsboro, and to Legacy/Choice Hospice of Sulphur Springs. Their loving care to Pat filled her life in Texas with laughter and love. Pat’s life and legacy of love and caring friendship endeared her to all who met her. She poured her life into others, and she was greatly loved in return. She will be greatly missed.