Clara Jean Woods
Clara Jean Woods, age 86, passed away August 8th, 2024. She was born to Lola (Thomas) and Laster Craft in Letcher, Kentucky on August 3rd, 1938.
Life took her North, away from the Appalachian hills, but the southern drawl of her speech always stayed with her, gracious and melodic as the music and manner of the South.
Clara grew up in a large family with strong connections, big personalities, and lots of love. She shared these values, and many others, with her own family. Her love and dedication to family was absolute, and they all adored her for it.
Perhaps it was her girlhood among the hills that inspired her love for gardening. Clara always had a vision for the spaces she inhabited, indoor and out. She loved seeing her plans come to life. For many years, she and her beloved husband, Kyle, worked together to create and maintain beautiful homes and gardens. Lupines, columbines, and irises were among her favorite flowers.
In keeping with her affinity for aesthetics, Gigi (as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to call her) enjoyed shopping. Gigi did not “get dressed”. Gigi put on an outfit. She was styled from head-to-toe, shoes, socks, and jewels included. Always.
Clara was a devout Christian. She loved attending church services and offering up her praise in song. We’ll all remember her high-lonesome voice singing her favorite hymns and Christmas Carols.
She taught us all the power of love and acceptance, creativity, and devotion. Kyle, her “Honey”, was the foundation of her love and family for the 66 years of their marriage. They enjoyed playing Skipbo together, watching birds, and appreciating their gardens. Their commitment to each other was a grounding force for the family.
If ever you needed a supportive companion whether for a trip to the mall, or a new venture in life, you knew Gigi would join you with gusto. Her curiosity, support and enthusiasm were unwavering. Clara loved to get out and go.
We are thankful that, now, she has gone to join her beloved Savior, and many family members. While we will miss her intensely, we will also rest easier under her watchful grace from heaven.
She is an orphan girl no more.
Clara is survived by her sister Phyllis (Jim) Klugiewicz, her brother Lester (Brenda) Craft, her children: Randy (Sue) Woods, Sandy (Ed) Cebery, Tammy Woods, Scott (Amanda) Woods, her grandchildren: Jamie (Jim) Fredenburg, Kari (Kevin) Branoff, Jennifer (Justin) Darnell, Kyle Pryce, Sara Woods, Josh Woods, Edward (Ashley) Buczkowski, Adam Woods (Jessica) and great-grandchildren: Bella, Celia, Juniper, LaVerne, Kylie, Devyn, Gavin, Easton, Kasen, Madeleine, Nicholas, Lola, Calix, Elle, and Emberlynn.
Clara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Kyle Paul Woods.
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