Ella Louise Woody passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on Aug. 15, 2026 at the age of 84, at MUSC Health in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Ella was born on April 24, 1942, in Burlington. She was deeply rooted in her faith and her love for her family. Her devotion to her husband, Kenneth D. Woody, and his forestry career led them and their five children to settle in several states during their 58 years of marriage. They lived in South Carolina, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi, before they finally retired in Santee, South Carolina.
Wherever life took them, Ella was a dedicated member within each of their church homes, serving in both seniors’ and children's programs. Her hardworking nature was evident in all she did. Ella took immense pride in her household, ensuring it was always a welcoming place for those she loved and ensured there was a warm meal on the table for her family.
Her favorite moments always included family and often shopping. She and her three girls made many special memories on their annual Hilton Head shopping trips. Ella had a special place in her heart for purses, music, shoes, her favorite cat Bluebell, flowers, and friends. But her family was the center of her universe.
She's survived by her loving husband, Kenneth D. Woody, and her five children: Darlene McAlhany, Cindy Hargis, Lynn (Billy) Brann, Chad (Julie) Woody and Brad (Kourtney) Woody. Her legacy lives on through her many grandkids: Wally (Jennifer) McAlhany, Crystal Logan, Robin (Johnny) Dukes, Caleb Hargis, Gary Davis, Tommy (Melissa) Brann, Matt Brann, Rachel Farrell (Tim), Nic Wilkes, Chase Woody, Trenton Woody, Averie Shumate, Haylie Woody and Carter Shumate.
She was also a very proud great-grandmother to Anslee and Wallace McAlhany; Dawson Chavis; Jay Dukes (Julie) and Bryson Dukes; Landon Logan; Jayvion Simmons; Sunni Gabrielle, Tomi Lyn and Ayden Davis; and Destiny and Brayden Bowers; and a great-great-grandmother to Sariah Simmons.
She is awaited in Heaven by her parents, Carolyn and O’Dell Baker; mother-in-law Wenona Woody; and her sons-in-law, Wayne McAlhany and Hughie Kizer.
She will always be remembered for her faith, her incredible strength, and her deep love for her family.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Stephens Funeral Home, 304 N. Church St., Manning, South Carolina, and other times at the residence, 337 Pinewood Drive, Santee, South Carolina.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 512 Spring St., Darlington, South Carolina, with the Rev. Tim Coker and the Rev. Rick Atkinson officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. at Central Baptist Church prior to the service. Burial will be immediately following the funeral service at Grove Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Wally McAlhany, Gary Davis, Caleb Hargis, Chase Woody, Trenton Woody and Johnny Dukes.
Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church, 512 Spring St, Darlington, S.C. 29532; or Jerusalem Methodist Church, P.O. Box 366, Elloree, S.C. 29047.
Stephens Funeral Home of Manning is serving the Woody Family.
