Obituary

Dorothy Kennedy Woodard

June 28, 1935 - May 14, 2026

Dorothy Kennedy Woodard, lovingly known to many simply as “Dot,” was born on June 28, 1935, in White Sands, Mississippi, to Roscoe and Elizabeth Kennedy. She went home to be with the Lord surrounded by the love of the family she treasured so deeply.

Dorothy was the heart of her family — a devoted wife, extraordinary mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great-grandmother. Her love for her family knew no limits. She made every person feel welcomed, cared for, and important, whether they were family, friends, neighbors, or someone she had just met. To know Dorothy was to know warmth, laughter, kindness, and unconditional love.

Dorothy attended Angie High School, where she enjoyed playing basketball. She married Lavern “Woody” Woodard, on May 17, 1952, during her junior year of high school, and they shared 55 years of marriage. As a Navy wife, Dorothy traveled alongside Woody to military bases in California, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida. No matter where life took her, Dorothy had a gift for making friends. Her mother once said, “I never worried about Dorothy. They could drop her off in a jungle where she did not even know the language, and she would make friends.” That statement remained true throughout her life, as she formed lifelong friendships everywhere she lived.

After returning home from their travels, Dorothy and Woody purchased and operated a dairy farm for 17 years. While Woody worked various jobs, Dorothy tirelessly helped run the dairy, balancing hard work with the care of her family.

Above all else, Dorothy made life joyful. She was the fun mom, aunt, and grandmother everyone gravitated toward. Her home was always full of laughter, conversation, and children. Nieces and nephews eagerly spent summers with her because they knew there would be swimming trips, skating outings, movie nights, creek adventures, and endless fun. She would load children into the back of her truck and head off on another adventure, creating memories they would cherish forever. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among her greatest joys, and she loved each of them fiercely and wholeheartedly.

Dorothy was also a faithful member of Hilltop Missionary Baptist Church, where she deeply loved her church family and lived out her faith through kindness, generosity, and compassion.

She is survived by her daughters, Shirley (Ed) Smith of Angie, Louisiana, and Mary Lynn Minarik (Ellis Ladner) of Saucier, Mississippi; grandchildren, Stacy (Jeremy) Gerald, Ryan (Michael) Smith, Tommy (Dana) Minarik, and Brandon (Deanna) Minarik; and great-grandchildren, Cailynn and Kylie Gerald, Thomas and Titus Minarik, and Wyatt and Madelyn Minarik. She is also survived by her brother, Edward Earl (Sharon) Kennedy; brother-in-law, Stevie (Lessie Mae) Woodard; sisters-in-law, Clara Kennedy and Kathy Kennedy; along with numerous beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to her niece, Mary Kennedy. Because of Mary’s medical knowledge, calm spirit, compassion, and selfless care, Dorothy was able to remain at home with hospice. She and Stacy Gerald, Dot’s granddaughter, never left her side.  Their love and support during that time will never be forgotten.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe and Elizabeth Kennedy; her husband, Lavern “Woody” Woodard; brothers, S.T. (Beverly) Kennedy, R.J. Kennedy, W.D. (Luvenia) Kennedy, and Huey Kennedy; sisters, Doris (Claude) Weaver, Deloris (Carl) Phillips, Evie (Will) Singley, and Louise Hobgood; brothers-in-law, Clyde (Estelle) Woodard and Lavon (Barbara) Woodard; and sister-in-law, Elisabeth (Bradley) Williams.

The family also wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Pulse Home Health, and Modern Hospice for their compassion, kindness, and excellent care during Dorothy’s illness.

Dorothy leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and family. She made ordinary moments feel special and filled countless lives with joy. Her family finds comfort in knowing that the memories she created and the love she gave so freely will live on forever.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 12:00 noon until service at 2:00 P.M. at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa, LA.  The Rev. Mark Hobgood and Rev. Duane Ball will officiate, and interment will be held at Bethel Church Cemetery in Angie, LA.

Pallbearers: Jeremy Gerald, Chance Granger, Rayne Granger, Mark Kennedy, Chad Smith, Byron Stogner   

Honorary Pallbearers: Tommy Joe Woodward