Mr. Milton Woods Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

***PLEASE NOTE: IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, gifts may be made to the Milton Woods Memorial Scholarship Fund at Western Michigan University Foundation (1903 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5403). ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Milton Woods was born on September 28, 1937, in Gallion, Alabama, to Johnny Turner, and Hepsy Woods. Many of his friends and family knew him as “Woody.” He spent the majority of his childhood years in Coatopa, Alabama where his family earned their living farming. Milton was raised in a large family where he was greatly loved and received his foundation for strong family values. In the 50’s, Milton Woods migrated from his home in Alabama to Kalamazoo, Michigan, prayerfully seeking a greater opportunity. After settling in Kalamazoo, Milton married Clara and of this union, they share three lovely daughters; Carolyn, Michelle, and Sonja. Milton took great pride in his family, and often stressed the importance of family structure. He never missed an opportunity to minister or find a life lesson to teach. With the scripture as his number one reference, there was seldom an occasion that anyone could prove him wrong. Milton cherished moments with family and friends, and stood firm on his unwavering faith in God. Milton furthered his education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where he successfully completed his degree in welding. In 1996, Milton retired from General Motors as an accomplished welder with 30 years of service. One of Milton’s life goals was to open his own business. As a result of his desire, he opened Welding Circle where he was the sole proprietor and operated for several years. His last major welding contract was with Walmart in Oshtemo, Michigan. He was a faithful long time member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he served in many capacities throughout his Christian Life. Milton loved his church family and cherished the relationships he established over the years. Milton believed in living a healthy lifestyle and loved to garden (in spite of it being occasionally overtaken by weeds). He was passionate about sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. Milton was an active senior athlete who enjoyed baseball and riding his bike. He went swimming, used the hot tub and sauna weekly at the Kalamazoo Athletic Club, located inside the Radisson Plaza Hotel, where he held a membership for over 20 years. Milton thoroughly enjoyed listening to music, and singing in quartets. Milton’s favorite pass times included watching the news, eating vanilla ice cream, Spanish peanuts in the shell (oven roasted at home, not microwaved). In addition, he enjoyed his time with organizations such as the International Masons, Lodge J-W-Hood 043 and the Gideons International. He is preceded in death by his daughter; June Burnette Woods, parents Johnny Turner, and Hepsy Woods. Sisters; Julia Woods, Estella Jones, Ethel Ryan, and Jessie Marshall. Brothers; Richard Woods, George Daniel, Duke Daniel, King Daniel, brother-in-law, Abraham Marshall. He leaves to cherish daughters Carolyn Johnnan (Ralph) Stanley of Charlotte, N.C., Yulanda Michelle Lambert of Upper Marlboro, MD, Sonja Fay (Gregory) Dotson of Battle Creek, MI. Grandchildren; Darryl Anton (Courtney) Stanley of Odenton, MD; Crystal Danielle (Richard) Jackson, of Glen Burnie, MD; Jeremy Andrew (Donknea) Lambert, of Capital Heights, MD; Sabrina Fay Dotson and Sarita Nicole Dotson both of Kalamazoo, MI; Great grandchildren; Camden David Jackson, Kendall David Jackson, and Kennedi Danielle Jackson of Glen Burnie, MD; Thyler Rasean Brewer, Taylor McKenzie Lambert and Tori Madison Lambert of Capital Heights, MD. Siblings; Adelle Banks of Waukegan, IL, Mitchell (Artelia) Woods of Waukegan, IL, and Bert Woods of Kalamazoo, MI, sisters- in-law; Ethel Gray Woods and Lillie Belle Daniel, both of Kalamazoo. Honored by memories: Clara Woods Spencer and Rosie Carter Woods.

Mr. Milton Woods

September 28, 1937 - February 28, 2017