Suzanne Martin Woodward

Suzanne Martin Woodward of Zuni, Virginia, passed away on October 8, 2021. She was born to Susan (Sue) Anderson Martin and Francis Conway Martin on April 15, 1933, in King and Queen County, Virginia. Her father died when she was a teenager, leaving behind Suzanne, her mother and her two sisters, Catherine and Elizabeth. Suzanne grew up in the company of remarkable women and learned early on to be strong and independent. Suzanne graduated from Madison College. She met Lawrence Hunter Woodward, Sr. while teaching in Luray, Virginia. They were married for sixty-seven years until Hunter passed in June of this year. In addition to her husband and parents, Suzanne was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law Catherine and Charles Wagoner and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Peggy and Wayne Woodward. Suzanne’s greatest accomplishment and joy was her family. She leaves behind her children and their spouses, Beverly Woodward Rabil (Johnnie), Lawrence H. Woodward, Jr. (Jane), James F. Woodward (Cheryl), and Martin W. Woodward (Susan). She was also the beloved “Granny” to her eleven grandchildren, John Rabil, Jr. (Christy), Susan Rabil Longley (Matt), Alexandra Woodward Paone (Patrick,) Carlyn Woodward, Nicole Woodward Fagan (Alex), James Woodward Jr., William Woodward, Jacob Woodward, Meaghan Woodward, Cathleen Woodward, and Elizabeth Woodward and her four great-grandchildren, Hunter and Hannah Longley, Fred Rabil, and Nicholas Shugars. She is also survived by her sister Elizabeth Guy and several nieces and nephews. Suzanne had many jobs throughout her life and her work ethic is reflected in her children and grandchildren. She was noted for her hard work but her family always came first. Suzanne had a quick wit and loved life. She cherished celebrations at the family farm on the York River and made sure that her loved ones revered family ties and land. Many people remember Suzanne excusing herself from a conversation to go “counsel” her children but, of course, her grandchildren were perfect. She was not above donning a top hat for St. Patrick’s Day or dressing as a witch for the Walters Homemakers club. She was also a member in the Windsor Woman’s club and enjoyed their July 4th celebrations and other annual events. She was a talented cook and it is hard to believe anyone will be able to do justice to her baked apples and crab casserole. Suzanne loved Virginia and was proud to have lived there her entire life. Sadly, Alzheimer’s Disease robbed Suzanne of the last years of her life. However, it did not rob her of her kind and caring ways. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. There will be a gathering to celebrate her life at noon on Tuesday, October 12th at Vincent Funeral Home, 417 11th Street, West Point, Virginia. Visitation will begin at 11:00. Mrs. Woodward's funeral will be live streamed at the following link, beginning 10 minutes before the service: https://vimeo.com/event/824845

Suzanne Martin Woodward

April 15, 1933 - October 8, 2021