DONALD WOODS

Donald Woods, the 12th child of the late Mr. Ira C. Woods and Mrs. Ervia O. Woods, was born with his twin brother, Ronald, on March 24, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Donald grew up on the East side of the city, where he attended Indianapolis public schools including Arsenal Technical High School, and graduated in 1962.  He was a true athlete and excelled in all things sports.  He was the first black captain of both the varsity basketball and football teams at Tech, and he earned an athletic scholarship to Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa.  In addition, Donald traveled and played with the Indianapolis Classic Softball Team for 21 years and was later inducted into their softball Hall of Fame.  In between these activities, Donald found time to be a statistician for the Indiana Pacers.  He continued to exercise regularly and was currently enrolled in an archery class.  Indeed, he loved all things sports!

Donald was an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam War from 1964-1966. He then found employment at Chrysler Foundry and retired after 35 years.

Donald met and married Loretta “Corky” Burden Woods in 1994.  They loved to travel and were able to visit many places inside and outside the country.  He also loved to socialize and get together with family and friends every day especially his daughter, “Shawna” and grandson, “Donald”, his namesake.  He was a member of the Swing Masters, a men’s social club, and he exercised regularly at the Douglas Park Community Center and the YMCA.  He even started his own gathering with friends who affectionately call themselves “The Donald Woods Thursday Brunch Group”.

Donald accepted Christ at an early age at Eastern Star.  He actively served with the Ushers Ministry for many years, first at the Main Campus and finally at the Cooper Road Campus.  You could find Donald every Sunday morning on his post at the Ushers Station in the lobby.  That position was perfect for him because he liked to keep moving.  (He also liked telling people what to do! LOL)

Donald presented a tough, no-nonsense personality, but he was actually a kind, soft-hearted person.  He loved to laugh, always joking, teasing with a keen sense of humor, and a smile that could light up a room.  He was quick to give advice – especially the unsolicited kind!  Donald had many, many friends throughout the city and across the country.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta Burden Woods; his parents; his sisters, Mary Woods Barnett, Odessa Shobe and Gladys Woods, and his brothers Robert, Roy, Morris, Eddie, Early, Kenneth, and Richard Woods. 

He leaves to cherish his memory always, his daughter, Bershawna Courtney; grandsons, Steve (Meesha) and Donald (Andrea) Courtney; six great-grandchildren; brother Harold (Sue-deceased); his twin, Ronald (Deidre); special niece, Debbie (Frank), a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, church family, other relatives and friends.

Donald was loved by all who knew him, and he will truly be missed!

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