Robert Lee Woods

Robert Lee Woods was born on June 3, 1932 in Marion, Alabama to the late James & Caodella Martin-Woods. He confessed Christ at an early age and joined the Mt. Nebo AME Zion Church.

Robert was the oldest of nine children born to this union.  On Thursday, November 12, 2020, Robert transitioned from this life to be in the presence of the Lord, and to reunite with his parents and his brothers Clarence and Donald Woods. 

  He was affectionately called “Teach” by many. He truly lived up to his nickname Teach he served as the family historian at the reunions.  He was gifted with a remarkable memory regarding the family history, and a desire to further research it for accuracy.  Teach was able to indulge, educate and enlighten the family regarding its rich history.  He enjoyed attending family gatherings and he embraced his role as the family historian.  He treated his role with dignity and respect as he enriched our lives with family members’ accomplishments, significant events, and the many struggles that the family had endured.  He always took the time out of his day to encourage young people to believe in themselves and pursue their educational dreams.

He was a graduate of Lincoln High School of Marion, Alabama.  He was drafted into the United States Army where he fought in the Korean War. Afterwards, he furthered his education at Alabama State University, in Montgomery, Alabama where he obtained a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education.  After graduation, he relocated to Chicago where he furthered his studies and earned a Master in Education from Roosevelt University.  Robert was an avid learner that enjoyed teaching history to his family and friends. 

Robert was a dedicated teacher with the Chicago Public School System (CPS) for 34 years.  He taught at Delano Elementary School for his entire teaching career. During his tenure as an educator, he conducted night classes at Englewood High School. His service as a veteran, and his commitment to the community was recognized by US Congressman Danny K. Davis. He was a member of the Chicago Teachers’ Union and the American Federation of Teachers. He also provided financial support to a variety of charities that shared his love for empowering the youth, including The National Negro College Fund.  Robert was blessed with many gifts as he was a giving spirit, educator, gardener, and servant.

On April 10, 2013, he married Dorothy Collins-Woods, his friend and companion for more than 50 years. Robert loved, helped, and raised many of his nieces, nephews, and cousins into caring and productive individuals.

  Robert leaves to cherish his precious memories with his beloved wife, Dorothy Collins-Woods, his siblings: Gladys Moore of Fort-Wayne, IN, Berdia M. Nelson of Marion, AL, Douglas (Alfreta) Woods of Maywood, IL, James (Adell) Woods of Chicago, IL, Lester (Bessie) Woods of Fort-Wayne, IN, Gracie (Robert) Smith of Chicago, IL, a special nephew, James F. Nelson, his brother and sister in-laws: Edgar ( LeMoyne) Eloby and Robert Eloby of Chicago, IL, Thelma Wombel and Julius Eloby of Clarksdale, MS, Alice Eloby and Eula Johnson of Chicago, IL and a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

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