Obituary of Brenda Woodard

Brenda Woodard, age 69 of Nashville transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Sunday, December 29, 2019. Brenda J. Woodard, affectionately known as “Nana, NanaMoo, Nannie or plain old Mama,” was born to William Dudley and Mattie Mae Johnson, on June 9, 1950 in Chapel Hill, TN. Brenda was educated at Hillgrove Elementary, and one of the first integrated classes at Forrest High School. She became the second black nurse to graduate from Columbia State University Nursing Program in 1970, and the only black nurse in her undergraduate nursing class at Belmont University in 1993. Her career began in Nashville at Meharry Hubbard Hospital with Dr. Roderick Bahner. She later worked at V.A. Hospital in 1977, where she remained until retirement in November of 2018. She was a member of the Tennessee Nurses Association, Chi Eta Phi Sorority and Saturday Foursome (Bowling League). Brenda accepted Christ at an early age being baptized at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Lewisburg, TN. She later became a member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Nashville for over 40 years. Brenda was a social butterfly that enjoyed bowling, thrifting, dancing and listening to rap music. Known for her giving spirit, she was a driven hard worker loved by many and will be truly missed. Preceded in death by her parents, William Dudley and Mattie Johnson; and sister, Bonita Griffin. She is survived by husband, Ricky O. Woodard Sr.; sisters, Eloise Greer and Rosemary McCord; children, Christopher L. Johnson, Talitha R. Johnson, and Ricky O. Jr.(Renee) Woodard; grandchildren, Brittany (Danny) M. Rutledge, Brandon M. Johnson, Rishara (Ajani) Merchant, Ryan M. Phillips, Raveen D. Johnson, Radanne M. Johnson, Lahela Woodard, Ricky O. Woodard III, Donyae, Tatyana, and DJ. Great-grandchildren D’azjon A. Dowell, Dash A. Rutledge and Ayani Merchant. A host of nieces, nephews and cousins.