Mrs. Willie Esther "Polly" Brand Woods

Willie Esther “Polly” Brand Woods was born on December 25, 1937, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to her parents, the late Emmitt Brand and Annie Bell Rogers Brand. She was the oldest of seven children. She began her next journey on December 28, 2022. The family moved to Pell City, Alabama in the late 40”s. She joined Rocky Zion Baptist Church at an early age. She was active in many young people groups and also in the school choir. She graduated from St. Clair County Training School in 1955 and attended Miles College and majored in Science. On August 23, 1958, she married the late Willie C. Woods and is the mother of two daughters, Pamela Demetricia and Patricia Denise. She later relocated to Bronx, New York and worked at St. Barnabus Hospital for chronic disease and became certified at Little Sisters of the Poor in the medical field. She also worked as a Lab Technician at New York Medical Center She worked full and part-time in Hematology and the Operating Room for fourteen years before moving to Atlanta, Georgia in 1977. She continued her career as an OR Nurse & Instrument Technician at Southwest Community Hospital for twelve years, which was at that time one of just a handful of hospitals nationwide that were controlled or operated by African Americans. In 1990, she became a Private Nurse for several affluent individuals in Atlanta which included judges, doctors, scientists, and also the President of First National Bank and many others that she maintained a relationship with over the years. She took great pride in taking care of people and was known to carry her medical dictionary to assist in diagnosing any medical concern family or friends were experiencing. The family often referred to her as Nurse Nightengale. She became a member of Jackson Memorial Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and later moved to Decatur, Georgia, and joined Greenforest Community Baptist Church. She was active in the Mission Fellowship, Sunday School Fulfillment Class, Seniors Keenagers Ministry, the ROSA Ministry - Reaching Out to Senior Adults, and a member of the ROSA Choir. She was a longtime contributor to the Hosea L. Williams Feed the Hungry Charity, American Red Cross, and the American Kidney Foundation. She also donated food to single moms in the neighborhood. Our Mother lived a great life for 85 years. The road was not always easy but she preserved through tragedy and challenges that made her stronger and wiser. She is an example of grace and dignity personified. Our Mother enjoyed traveling which included London England, Canada, and several states. Her last trip was to the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington DC. She also got the opportunity to view the home of former President Barack Obama & Michelle Obama, which she was very excited about. She loved to read and enjoyed Broadway Plays, and Musicals. She cherished her collection of music along with her fondness to take and collect pictures of family and friends. She was a people person and made a special effort to keep in communication with those she loved. She was loving, thoughtful, giving, sharp, meticulous, very direct, and very organized. So much so that she actually left explicit directions for her final arrangements enclosed with a note to her daughters to smile. Not wanting us to be overcome with sadness. She also wanted the family to know that she has loved you all always in all situations and that she is at peace with that. Our Mother was proceeded in death by her parents, Emmitt Brand and Annie Bell Rogers Brand. Her husband, Willie C. Woods.Her brothers, Earl Brand, Christopher Brand, Eugene Brand, Her nieces, Michelle Brand and La Tonya Crawford, and her grandson, Keenan Kelly ll. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, her daughters, Pamela Edwards and Patricia Woods. Her Siblings, Emmitt Brand and Sister-in-law Sara Brand. Bennie Ray Brand, Shirley Lee, Tommy Sanders, and Sister-in-law Elaine Sanders, Linda McCoy, and Brother-in-law Harry Charles McCoy. Her Grandchildren, Tuskonee Woods, Jonathan Woods, Anastasia (Kadesh) Wright, and Keyiffia (Deonte) Edwards Lang, and Tabias Kelly. Her Great-Grandchildren, Rilie, Mianjel, Benjamin, Mahogany, Faith & Hope. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and additional family members. Including her two special childhood friends Mrs. Bessie Mae Turner Roberts and Mrs. Ernestine Mixon. To all of her dear friends, who are too many to name, she loved each of you dearly. Mommy, You have fought a good fight, your work is now complete…Rest Well…You Will Always Be The Queen of Our Hearts!Emoji~ Pam & Pat

Tributes

Mrs. Willie Esther "Polly" Brand Woods

December 25, 1937 - December 28, 2022