Jan Evelyn Woodard-Gardner

Jan Evelyn Woodard-Gardner was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 1, 1947. She was the sixth of seven children born to Evelyn Gardner. Jan attended public school, including Crane High School on the West Side of Chicago. She attended some college before gaining employment with the State of Illinois, where she was a public assistance case worker until she retired in 2009. Jan received Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and was baptized early in life. She reaffirmed her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and became a member of Victory Outreach Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Nick Walker in 2004. Jan served the Lord until her death. Jan met Willie Charles Woodard in 1976. They were married in holy matrimony on December 31, 1989. Jan was the mother of four children, Adrian, Michelle, Antoinette, who died while only a few days old, and Darrick. She was also “momma” to her firstborn grandson, DeShaun, who is also known as Fox. She believed in family, and she participated in every effort to keep the family together. She was a big proponent of family reunions and encouraged the attendance of all family members. Her love of cooking was well-received at reunions and beyond. Everyone especially enjoyed her dressing, with turkey, and collard greens! In addition, Jan loved to dance, as many can attest to. She could ‘press and curl’ hairstyles with the best of them... and then came the party! Jan departed this life early in the early morning on May 13, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie, daughter Antoinette, brothers, Edward Sr., James, Harding, and Clifford, as well as great-grandson Dominik Alexander. Jan leaves to cherish her memory: children, Adrian, Michelle, and Darrick (Yvonnda); grandson, DeShaun (Mary); stepchildren, Charles Redd (Kelly), Michele R., John R. (Trent), Tawanna, Felicia (Marcus), and Shawn; and spiritual daughter, Dorothy Benson; two sisters, Cornelia of Chicago, IL, and Irene of AL; along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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