Viola Sue Woodward

          Funeral services for Viola Sue Woodward, 89, of Lufkin, will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Garden of Memories Memorial Park Elwyn M. Gipson Chapel in Lufkin with Pastor Mark Newton officiating.

         Mrs. Woodward was born on February 16, 1936, in Port Arthur, Texas, to  William Curtis Harvey and Tressie Sue Powell, and died Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Lufkin.

          As a young woman, Mrs. Woodward enjoyed performing in dance recitals, playing with her cousin, Yvonne, and going shopping in Beaumont with her mother. She would often be treated to chocolate sundaes on these outings. She loved spending time with her family and friends at her family’s beach house and enjoyed doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

          She attended Angelina College and Lamar University where she obtained her Associates Degree in Business. She was the Vice President Controller at Bank of America and was proudly elected the President of Banking Women’s Association.

          Mrs. Woodward is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Sam McCoy of Lufkin; daughter-in-law, Annette Woodward; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry Woodward and Carolyn Gandy; grandchildren Matt and Kristyl Woodward of Lufkin; Samantha McCoy of Lufkin; Tressie and Dale Stephens of Shawnee, Oklahoma; Katherine and Jay O’Connor of Midlothian, Texas; Josef Woodward of Lufkin; great-grandchildren, Lauren Woodward, Taylor Woodward, Mason Woodward, Hayes O’Connor, Aubrey O’Connor and Quade Stephens; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

          She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 64 years, Bill Woodward; son, Howard Woodward; grandson, John Michael Woodward; and great-grandson, Lucas O’Connor.

          The family would like to offer special thanks to Faye Hopkins.

          Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Garden of Memories Elwyn M. Gipson Chapel.

           Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.