A celebration of life service for Ernesteen "Teen" Dorsey Woods, 89, of Clarkesville, will be held Saturday, June 12, at noon at Hillside Memorial Chapel and Gardens in Clarkesville.
Mrs. Woods went to her heavenly rewards Tuesday, June 8, 2021.
Born July 12, 1931, in Clermont, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Hayes Dorsey and Vera Nix Dorsey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Hal Woods Jr.; son-in-law, Edward (Ebbie) Strain; and grandson, Jason E. Fowler.
She is survived by daughter, Barbara Alice Woods Strain; son, Ernest Hal Woods III (Bucky) and daughter-in -law Juliann; brothers and sisters-in-law, Doug Dorsey and Renee, and Don Dorsey and Nancy; grandson and wife, Jon Michael Strain and Catherine; granddaughter and husband, Melinda Woods Cowart and Brett Cowart; great- grandchildren, Ebby and Woods Strain, Jayce and Jayde Baxter, and Zaedon and Killian Cowart; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins, and, special friends, Don and Tootie Hayhurst.
Teen (Nana) was a soft, quiet, but always gracious southern lady who used her scripture and recipes daily, and with passion. A lifetime of studying the Bible, Teen could hold her own with anyone in a theological discussion. She gardened like there would be no tomorrow and prayed everyday like it was her last. Her cooking specialties were fried okra, sweet tea and sausage gravy. She had a quick sense of humor, with a sharp but sweet wit. Principled, but never judgmental (unless you wore white shoes after Labor Day). Teen cherished her role as Mother and Grandmother often to those not even related. The consummate entertainer and hostess, she opened her home to her family's friends, foreign students, missionaries, and pastors and their families. If she picked you as her friend, you were in for a lifetime of love and loyalty.
A fairytale love story began when she, at 17, married Hal Jr. and it continued for 71 years with bound devotion to each other and their common goals. Usually in his shadow, Teen supported all his endeavors from furniture stores, real estate sales and development, car dealership, magazine publications, poultry and apple farming to missions. An avid antique collector, she preferred the old stuff much more than the new he sold. Folks in Clarkesville chuckled when Teen drove through town in a Wood's truck filled to the brim with what Hal called chicken house junk. Although she stood firmly by his side, she could give him a certain look that kept him in check, most of the time.
A Southern Baptist believer, she taught Sunday school, lead various mission organizations, but was mostly committed to Backyard Bible Clubs through Child Evangelism Fellowship International. She was a member of Harvest Bible Fellowship.
The family acknowledges with appreciation Dr. Stuart Sanders and staff, Matthew Rabern and Amedisys Hospice, Magnolia Hills Assisted Living, along with caregivers, Teresa Kelly, Kellie Stephens and Becky Dowdy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Habersham Rotary Club Scholarship Strain-Woods family fund, P.O. Box 513 Cornelia, GA 30531, or Harvest Bible Fellowship, 1275 Deer Trail Lakes Drive, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until noon before the service. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Mickey Hyder, Chase Hyder, Charlie McGugan, Bill Camp, Bill Chamblee and Chan Caudell.
Arrangements are in the care of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville.