Rev. Rachel M. Woods

Reverend Rachel Marguerite Woods, age 82, of Saline, Michigan passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024 after a brief illness, with family by her side. Rachel was born September 25, 1942 to the late Paul H. Woods and Mary Etta (Morris) Woods. She graduated from Saline High School and earned her Bachelors of Science at Eastern Michigan University. Rachel earned her Masters from the University of Michigan. Rachel had a heart of compassion. She began her career teaching the visually impaired, and serving in the Peace Corps. Her compassion for people was expressed in her long-term service with the Michigan Department of Social Services. Rachel also dedicated many years to caring for others when they needed her most. She was a devoted caregiver to her mother and sisters Naomi and Sarah. Rachel was ordained by the Church of God April 25, 2004. Reverend Woods served the Church of God in Michigan as Chair of two important ministry Divisions during the 1990’s: Social Concerns and Christian Education. She also served on the State Board of Directors for the Church of God in Michigan. She was honored by the General Assembly of the Church of God in Michigan with the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. Rachel led several on The Walk to Emmaus, a Christian spiritual renewal program that supports churches in the development of leaders and disciples. In Recent years Rev. Woods served as a Chaplain at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (now Trinity Health Care) in Ann Arbor. She was devoted to education and became the most effective minister of the Gospel possible by completing a quarter of CPE and working on ethics education at Anderson University. Rachel served the National Church by being a World Service representative. She also served on her local United Way board. Rachel grew up singing with her four sisters, traveling around the US and internationally, sharing their gift of music with others. In addition to singing with her sisters, Rachel and her sister Naomi performed with the Our Own Thing Chorale for more than a decade. She also sang for Women of the Church of God (now Christian Women Connection) and CHOG World Conferences, on missions in Antigua and Brazil. Rachel traveled and sang in South Africa with Our Own Thing Chorale as part of her global experience. She sang in the choir and played the handbells at First United Methodist Church of Saline. When her nieces and nephews were young, Aunt Rachel often played her guitar and sang with them. Rachel was an avid Scrabble player and spent many days playing with good friends and family members. She enjoyed cooking and hosting family and friends. Because of Rachel’s love of family and keeping in touch, she organized and hosted the Woods Family Reunion every July. Rachel was also a dedicated sports fan, especially basketball and football. Rachel was known for her creativity by the hats she wore. Most were designed by her and she enjoyed embellishing the simplest of hats, reflecting her personal style. For several years, Rachel decorated the communion table at First United Methodist to reflect the seasons. Rachel was the second youngest of eight siblings and was preceded in death by brothers Paul Woods, Allen Woods, Silas Woods, and sisters Nancy (Woods) Whitfield, Sarah (Woods) Palmer, and Naomi Woods. She is survived by her sister, Rev. Mary M. (Woods) Baker and many nieces and nephews, cousins and sisters-in-law Gail (Armbruster) Woods and Patricia (Taylor) Woods. She is also survived by several godchildren, including Mary Baker-Boudissa. A friend to many, Rachel leaves a host of special friends from the church, community, and organizations who will miss her. A celebration of life for Rev. Rachel M. Woods will be held at a future date. The family wishes to thank the staff members of the Saline Evangelical Home and Arbor Hospice, who provided loving care for Rachel in her final days. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Saline. Internment will take place at a private family ceremony.

Tributes

Rev. Rachel M. Woods

September 25, 1942 - October 10, 2024