Claire Woodward

Mabel Claire Woodward (Claire) passed away in Louisville, Mississippi, on May 19, 2023, at the age of 83 years. Claire was born on December 23, 1939 in Waterford, Mississippi. Claire was the wife of Roland Woodward. Married in 1962, they made Louisville their home and raised their three children, Martha Claire, Scott (Kim), and Doug (Angelia.) In addition to being a loving mother, Claire excelled at Mississippi State University while earning her Master’s degree in English. She became a faculty instructor at MSU for nearly two decades until retiring in 1998. Claire was an avid lifelong reader and especially enjoyed the fellowship and fun of her monthly book club consisting of her daughter and close friends. Claire loved traveling and made several trips overseas where she visited England, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy. She frequently enjoyed exploring the backroads of rural Mississippi with her husband, Roland. Claire was a wonderful wife and mother, and she adored her grandchildren: Mary Beth, Hannah, Emma, and Nate Woodward. Claire was blessed to welcome into her family Dana Kemp Eaton (Ashley) and children; Krystal Kemp Ross and children; and Jared Kemp. Claire will be missed greatly by her family and friends. Claire was preceded in death by her husband (Roland); father and mother (Mal, Lavelle); and brothers (Wayne, Vernon, and Eddie.) Claire’s pallbearers will be Nate Woodward, Mark Woodward, John Woodward, Davis Woodward, Jared Kemp, and Corey Bagwell. Visitation and funeral services for Claire will be held at Porter Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, with Rev. Johnny Collins officiating. Visitation will begin at 2 pm with funeral services following at 3:00 pm. The burial will take place at the Masonic cemetery, across the street from Porter Funeral Home.