Margie Verdell (Sumpter) Woods was born on February 19, 1945, to James Franklin Sumpter and Margaret Sumpter in Bucksport, South Carolina both of whom preceded her in death. She was the oldest of three siblings, James Bernard Sumpter (Florence, wife) and Carol Adrienne Sumpter-Johnson (Larry, husband) born to this union.

Verdell or Vert, as she was affectionately called, was raised in a very loving home with close family ties to a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. The appeal to love God with all your heart was the ever-pressing call of her grandparents, Boston and Beulah Mishoe and Keeler and Lula Sumpter. Both sets of grandparents regularly taught their children and grandchildren about Christ, Christian living, integrity, honoring the family name, loving one another, the importance of a good education; and equally important was their persuasive talks on the value of a dollar. These teachings radiated so loud that young Margie blossomed as she embraced these truths and gained a sound Christian foundation in a little place called Bucksport, South Carolina.

When Margie and her brother James were relocated to Detroit, Michigan with their parents, Franklin and Margaret Sumpter, they begged, pleaded, and were worrisome to their parents to let them return to South Carolina because of their dislike of "the big city." Their parents, Franklin and Margaret, knew that this would be best for their children because the grandparents, Boston and Beulah Mishoe and Keeler and Lula Sumpter, were devout Christians and would support them in rearing these two determined children. Margie developed a strong spiritual foundation. With no Adventist church in town, her grandparents, Keeler and Lula Sumpter, conducted Branch Sabbath School in their home every Sabbath to ensure that the family grew spiritually. They also recognized the importance of Christian fellowship by worshipping with other family members every 13th Sabbath at Mt. Olive Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hemingway, South Carolina, a church attended by many family members. Margie met and married the love of her life, Raiford Woods III, on December 17, 1967, in San Diego,California, and were married for 56 years. They were blessed with three children, Raiford IV, affectionately called Julian, Stacey Germaine and Marcia Cherylenne.

• Julian (Raiford IV) was the proud father of his beautiful daughter, Devina Woods. Sadly, Julian tragically drowned in January of 1994 at the age of 23. At the time of his death, Julian was married to Tonette Woods, and the adoptive father to Montoya Bethany, Kenneth Bethany, Jr., Christopher Shaw, Jr. and Jazzimen Shaw.

• Raiford and Margie's only daughter, Marcia Woods Hinds, is married to Thomas Hinds, and they are blessed with two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. M Margie Verdell Woods

• Raiford and Margie's youngest son, Stacey's life came to a tragic end because of a house fire at the age of two. Raiford and Margie are so confident in Christ's return, that when Julian passed, Stacey's body was exhumed and placed next to Julian's so that when the trumpet sounds, the brothers will rise together to meet the Lord. (1 Thess. 4:16-17). Margie is also looking forward to the angels bringing Stacey to her in heaven as indicated by Ellen G. White: "As the little infants come forth immortal from their dusty beds, they immediately wing their way to their mothers' arms. They meet again never more to part." The Youth's Instructor, April 1858 (Selected Messages, 2:260).

Margie was always encouraged by her parents to excel academically. She preferred reading to watching television and was more focused on her education than other things that held teens' attention. Margie's tenacity resulted in her being the valedictorian of her Whittemore, South Carolina High School senior class. After high school, Margie began her college experience at Oakwood College (now Oakwood University), received an Associate of Arts degree in Nursing from Loma Linda University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Home Economics from California State University Los Angeles, and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Cambridge College. Nursing was Margie's career choice. She was passionate about her job as school nurse for the Los Angeles Unified School District where she was employed for 23 years. Margie was loved by her little patients,
always showing "motherly love," and was not intimidated by blood, bruises, or vomit. Margie also worked as a nurse at White Memorial Medical Center for several years.

Margie was a prayer warrior. Not only would she pray for you, but she would also cry with you. She never met a stranger and had a heart for people. She had an instinct to be kind, good and compassionate, attributes she learned from her grandparents, Boston and Beulah Mishoe who opened their home to the community providing them with food and other essentials. Margie was always personable and more concerned about others than herself. Her motto was: "If I can help somebody, then my living shall not be in vain." Margie always wanted the best for her children and grandchildren. Her goal was to serve God, be a good wife and make a loving home for her family, and that is exactly what she did. Alongside her husband, Raiford, she served tirelessly from 1979 to 2024 (45 years) conducting Inner City Service programs for churches, prisons, schools, and housing project developments. One of Margie's favorite scriptures was: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (New King James Version)7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Margie was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Vivian Woods who she and Raiford served as her caregivers for two years prior to Vivian's death. Margie's father-in-law, Maurice Woods, Sr., her sister-in law, Darnice Jennings, and brother-in-law Maurice Woods, Jr. also preceded her in death.

Margie loved her family and leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, Raiford, her wonderful daughter Marcia, her stepdaughter, Subira Khalfani, her sister Carol, brother Bernard, grandchildren, brother-in-law and sister-in law, beloved aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, along with many cherished friends, and church sisters and brothers, all of whom will miss her dearly.

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Funeral service for Mrs. Margie V. Woods will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. from New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church 3912 Pulaski Pike NW- Huntsville, AL  35810.  Burial will follow in the Oakwood Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Woods will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral service.

No Public Viewing of Mrs. Margie V. Woods at the funeral home.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, THE WOODS FAMILY REQUESTS THAT MONETARY DONATIONS BE SENT TO: