Ernestine (Sister) Woods

February  18th, 1945 June  15th, 2024
Lansing, Michigan
Ernestine (Sister) Woods

Our life is made of two dates and a dash. Make the most of your dash. 

Obituary

Ernestine (Sister) Woods, a beloved mother, sister, friend, and community pillar, passed away on June 15, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on February 18, 1945, Ernestine was a beacon of love and compassion to all who knew her.

Ernestine was a devoted mother to her three sons, Ernest, Rodney, and Deven Woods, and cherished her bonus daughter, Vanessa Campbell. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support were the cornerstones of her family. She was also a proud grandmother to Chaz, Journey, Keason, Giselle, Mya, Nathan, Donald, Al, Legend, Legacy, Ashanti, Mezariah, and her first great granddaughter Kaia - each of whom she adored deeply.

Ernestine began her freshman year in 1959 at Sexton High School. Ernestine's dedication to her education and her community was evident throughout her life. She built a respected career as an Office Professional, serving both the City of Lansing and the State of Michigan before her well-earned retirement. Ernestine's commitment to her work and her community left an indelible mark on those around her.

Ernestine's love for crafting was well-known. She particularly enjoyed making dolls, which she lovingly gifted to family and friends, bringing joy to many. Her creativity and generosity were just a few of the many ways she expressed her love for others.

Ernestine was preceded in death by her mother, Marie Cosy, father Paul Jones, her twin brother, Ernest Woods, her sister Sheletha Woods, and bother Ronnie Woods.

Ernestine is survived by her brothers, Richard Woods, and Mohammed Abdula Hakeem (Linda). Along with her children, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she cherished deeply.

A pillar in her community, Ernestine found great joy in seeing young people thrive. Her legacy of kindness, service, and empowerment will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her life was a testament to the strength and beauty of a servant leader.

A Celebration of Life to honor Ernestine will be held on August 17, 2024, at Highlands Cooperative Association, in Lansing, Michigan at 2 PM.

Ernestine (Sister) Woods will be deeply missed but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Gallery


Memory Wall

Please share your fondest memories of Ernestine (Sister) Woods. Your memory will be read at the Celebration of Life. 


August 17, 2024
I grew up in the Highland Park neighborhood with Rodney and always remember how her voice, personality and strength resonated through all that she did. The world is a little less bright with the loss of her. She will be missed.
Tricia Haynes-Hankerson
July 13, 2024
I can always remember being so excited to spend the night at my favorite cousins Rodney & Deven house to play video games and Transformers, which always ended up turning into the whole weekend Aunt Sister always always made me feel like I was one of her children some of my best memories as a child took place in that basement in Georgetown… I’m 44 years old now and I will never ever ever forget 393-7683. We love you. We miss you always Aunt Sister.
John John
July 13, 2024
Mom Woods was always prepped and ready for Christmas 🎄. She and I would begin exchanging phone calls and ideas in late October and by the time Thanksgiving rolled around the preparing and “add to cart” shopping was well underway. She was equally my absolute favorite to gift wrapped presents to. Her glee with opening gifts was palpable and along with many other things will be infinitely missed. 😘
Jennifer Woods

Favorites


What was Ernestine's favorite hobby? 
Loved making dolls for family and friends. 
What was Ernestine's favorite TV show?
Loved watching "Heat of The Night." 
Who was Ernestine's favorite music artist? .
Diana Ross! 
Fun fact about Ernestine? 
She had a knack of using her eyes to express what she thought about you or a situation without saying a single word "LOL". 
What was Ernestine's favorite sport to watch on TV? 
Tennis! 
What was one of Ernestine's precious joys in life? 
Anytime spent with her grandchildren especially opening prizes with her grandchildren. 

Celebration


Please join us in celebrating the life of Ernestine (Sister) Woods, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and community pillar. Your presence and support will mean a lot to our family as we honor her legacy and the profound impact she had on all of us. 
Location
Highlands Cooperative Association. 6294 Haag Rd. Lansing, MI. 48911
Date/time
August 17, 2024. Time: 2pm-6pm
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