Elsie Woods

Elsie (Flowers) Woods was born on September 26, 1937, in Columbus, Ohio, to Viola May and Willie "Jack" Flowers. She passed away peacefully at home to be with the Lord on May 8, 2025.

Elsie was educated in the Columbus Public Schools and later attended culinary school. She worked in the Columbus area food service industry for over 30 years and was admired for her work ethic, warm spirit, and inspiring presence.

Elsie was actively involved in her church and community throughout her life. She was a member of the Pastor's Partner Interdenominational, an organization made up of fifty churches; the Women's Charity Council, which included more than one hundred media and business personalities; the USA Charity Organization; the Patterson Gospel Singers; and The Rainbow Crusaders Club. Through these organizations, she traveled extensively across the United States and abroad. She served faithfully in leadership roles as president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. A former member of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, Elsie sang in the choir and served as president of the Pastor's Partners. She was also a proud charter member of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Ollis Woods, and her daughter Viola Rigsbee, her granddaughter Chiquita "Che-Che", seven brothers, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

Elsie leaves to celebrate her life and legacy: Granddaughter Katrina (Trina) Loomis and grandson-in-law William Loomis Grandsons Leon Jones and Danny Rigsbee Children Camellia, Daniel, Juan Lee (Felica) Woods, and Johnny Gould Three sisters: Emmagene (Gene) Flynn, Patricia (Pat) Stewart, and Violet (Nerva) Flowers Sister-in-law Sandra (Sandy) Flowers Eighteen great-grandchildren and seventeen great-great-grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, and her cherished friend of three years, Nancy Taylor

Elsie enjoyed word search puzzles, playing solitaire, and especially playing 5000 Rummy and going to bingo with her granddaughter Trina. Her presence lit up any room, and her warmth and wisdom touched the lives of countless people.