Cassandra Woodard, was born to Mabel Rosa Lee Clark Woodard and Reverend John Henry Woodard Sr. on December 23, 1939, in Deland, Florida (FL). In 1945, the family moved from Eustis, FL to Winter Park, FL.
Cassandra graduated from Hungerford High School in 1957. She later attended the National School of Business in Nashville, Tennessee for two years. Afterward, she returned to Winter Park and worked in a local grocery store while earning her business degree. In 1968, Cassandra launched her business career at General Dynamics serving as a Benefits Coordinator for nine-plus years. The next 6 years, she worked in Human Resources for several global aerospace and defense companies. In her final career move, Cassandra accepted the Human Resources Benefits Coordinator position at Litton Laser/Northrop Grumman Corporation where after 20 years of dedicated service she retired in 2003.
As a dedicated member of Ward Chapel AME Church, Cassandra served as the Financial Secretary, a volunteer in Sarah’s Kitchen (a ministry for seniors), and served as a member of the Lay Organization. She was especially proud of the role she played in the Lay Organization helping empower lay members for service in the ministry. Fueled by her love of God and passion for reading, Cassandra gained spiritual strength and inspiration not only by reading from and meditating on the Bible daily but also by reading various devotionals.
As a devoted member of her family, one of the ways Cassandra expressed her love was through cooking for the family as well as for extended family and friends. She was a magnificent cook who developed her culinary skills and passion for cooking as a child growing up watching Mabel, her young mother, cook for the family. For many, many years both Mother and daughter worked together cooking Sunday dinners and holiday meals for family, extended family, and friends. From Cassandra’s wide range of delicious foods, she was especially known for her sweet potato pies and baked macaroni and cheese.
Cassandra entered into eternal rest on Sunday, October 1, 2023. She was predeceased by her parents and brothers David Leonard Woodard and John Henry Woodard Jr. Though absent in body, “Kay” will forever be cherished and loved by her daughter, Lisa Woodard (Leon Harper), Riverview, FL; sisters, Lenora Quinn (Johnnie), Hortense Winfield (Jesse), and Patricia Bryant – all of Orlando, FL; brothers, Frank Woodard Sr. (Nora), Orlando, FL; Ronald Woodard (Laverne), Winter Park, FL; and Wendell Woodard (Velma), Lakewood, WA; sister-in-law, Alice Woodard (John Henry Jr), Las Vegas, NV; aunt, Alberta Rutledge (James), Cambridge, MA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. She is also loved and remembered by extended family members: Marva Carter (Wesley), The Brookins Family, Ernestine Ingram, Geraldine Thompkins (Michael), Jacqueline Poland (Thomas), and Ethyl Bryant.
A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 160 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Winter Park, FL with Reverend Arnold A. Porter