Jerris Woodard

Jerris Woodard, a beloved member of the Kennett community and a dedicated Playground Attendant at Masterson Elementary School, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at NHC Healthcare of Kennett. Born on November 9, 1931, in Kennett, Missouri, Jerris was the daughter of the late Joe Wilson and Nell Curtis Wilson.  She touched the lives of many through her unwavering commitment to nurturing and guiding children during her 27+ years of service at the school until her retirement in 1993.

Jerris was not only known for her professional dedication but also for her deep-rooted faith as a member of the Ely Baptist Church in Kennett, where she contributed her spirit and kindness to the congregation.

On June 3, 1951, in Piggott, Arkansas she was united in marriage to Carlos Eugene Woodard.  He preceded her in death on December 5, 2010. 

Jerris leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory. She is survived by her two daughters, Carla Redhair of Houston, Texas, and Lee Ann Woodard of Kennett, Missouri. Among her grandchildren are Anna Wells (Robby) of Temple, Texas, Amy Redhair of Austin, Texas, and Sarah Lemonds Spain of Nashville, Tennessee. Her great-grandson, Robert David Wells, her siblings, Diane Richardson of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Chesley Poole of St. Louis, Missouri, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, including Margaret Langston of Campbell, Missouri, and Bill Kirby of Kennett, Missouri, will also mourn her loss.

Jerris was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carlos Woodard, and her son-in-law, David Redhair. She also rejoins her parents, Joe Wilson and Nell Curtis Wilson and siblings, including Gaylon Wilson (Lois), Curtis Wilson (Judy), Linda McClure (Fred), and Billy Joe Wilson (Sharon), who have gone before her.

As her family reflects on the life of Jerris Woodard, they honor a woman whose kindness, dedication, and warm spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Her legacy continues in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her in return. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Powell Funeral Chapel in Kennett with Reverend Jim Collins officiating.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the time of service.  Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett.

Serving as pallbearers will be Robby Wells, Chris Wilson, Steven McClure, Kenny Wilson, Carrol Dean Crawford

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org

Powell Funeral & Cremation Services, Kennett is in charge of arrangements.