Mildred Woodard

Mildred Rebecca Sanders Woodard passed away on June 17, 2026, in Dublin, Georgia, at the age of 98. Born on May 24, 1928, in Wilkinson County, Georgia, she lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to her family, steady faith, and a gentle spirit that touched all who knew her.

Mildred was the daughter of the late Warren Sanders and Dora Collins Sanders. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Cecil C. Woodard, and by her grandsons, Luke Woodard and Caleb Woodard. Her life was deeply rooted in family, and she carried the love of those she held dear with her throughout her years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose presence brought comfort and warmth to her home and to the lives of those around her.

Mildred worked faithfully throughout her life and was known for her strong work ethic and dependable nature. She was a former florist with Garden Gate Flower Shop and also served as a bus driver for the Laurens County Board of Education. In addition to her work outside the home, she was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family and maintaining a welcoming home. She approached every responsibility with patience and care, and those who knew her admired the quiet strength with which she lived her life.

She was a member of Oconee Baptist Church and found strength and comfort in her faith. Her church family was important to her, and her life reflected the values she held dear. She enjoyed working, cooking, and gardening, and she especially loved being in her yard. She could often be found tending to her outdoor spaces and wearing out lawnmowers, a pastime that reflected both her energy and her enjoyment of simple, honest labor. These were among the many ways she expressed her love for home and for the life she built with her husband and family.

She is survived by her sons, Clinton Woodard and his wife Nancy of Metter, Larry Woodard and his wife Freda of Dublin, Jerry Woodard and his wife Dyona of Dublin, and Danny Woodard and his wife Renea of Milledgeville. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Angela Lewis and her husband Brian, Ryan Woodard and his wife Michelle, Julie Wade, Erica Bowles and her husband Brian, Josh Woodard and his wife Jenny, Nathan Woodard, and Brandon Woodard. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Walker Lewis, Taylor Lewis, Hayden Bowles, Addison Bowles, David Woodard, Katie Woodard, Faith Woodard, Brittany Persily, Caitlyn Persily, Ian Woodard, Caroline Woodard, Haley Woodard, Carley Wade and Abby Wade. Each of them was a source of joy to her, and she treasured the role she played in their lives.

The family would like to thank Georgia Hospice, Home Instead, Fairview Park Hospital and the wonderful caregivers for their kind and compassionate care of our mother. 

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the Mary Whitaker Townsend Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at Dublin Memorial Gardens. Rev. Rick Statham and Elder Garry Hall will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Woodard, Brandon Woodard, Nathan Woodard, Walker Lewis, Josh Woodard, David Woodard and Hayden Bowles.

Those wishing to make contributions may donate to Oconee Baptist Church, 2350 Oconee Church Road, Dublin, Georgia 31021.

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