Stephen O’Leary Woods, age 49, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, after a brief hospitalization due to COVID. His parents were Mildred Dickey Woods and Dr. Dexter L. Woods, Jr, who preceded him in death on March 26, 1992.
Stephen is survived by his mother and lifelong caregiver, siblings Angela Woods English (Marc English), Dr. Dexter Woods, lll, (Melanie Woods), Linda Kay Woods, Sarah Woods Carney, and Michael Hancock Woods, along with eight nieces and nephews.
Stephen was born on November 7, 1973, in Chattanooga TN. Due to a rare form of spina bifida, he was not expected to live more than a few hours; however, he survived major surgery and was embraced by a family who had the privilege of meeting his daily needs. As a result of God’s grace and the extraordinary care provided by his mother, Stephen was able to live in the comfort of home, surrounded by family and dearly loved. He was indeed a special child, and although he never talked, ran or played, he really was very content.
A graveside service for the immediate family was held on Wednesday, December 7th, at Evergreen Cemetery, Murfreesboro TN.
Memorials may be made to www.Gideons.org or The Gideons International, 50 Century Boulevard, Nashville TN 37214.
Heaven’s Very Special Child
By Edna Massimilla
A meeting was held so far from Earth.
It was the time for another birth.
The Angels said to the Lord above –
This special child will need much love.
For progress may be very slow,
Accomplishment may never show.
This special child will need much care
From the people way down there.
This child may not talk, run or play,
And thoughts may seem so far away.
In many ways will not try to adapt
Known as “disabled” and “handicapped.”
Please be careful where this one is sent.
We want this child to be so content.
O please, Lord, find the parents who
Will do a very special job for You.
They will not realize right away
The leading role that they have to play.
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith, and richer love.
Soon they’ll know the privilege given
In caring for their gift from Heaven.
Their precious child, so meek and mild
Is Heaven’s very special child.
