Constance M. Council

Constance Marie Woodard Council, affectionately known as “Connie”, born on September 14, 1938 was the third of eight children born to the late Deacon and Mrs. Edward D. Woodard Sr. in Portsmouth, VA.

Connie spent her childhood years in Portsmouth, VA where she attended the Portsmouth Public Schools.   She worked for years in food service industry retiring from Cooperative Services Company at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. She accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age and was baptized at New St. Thomas Baptist Church. She was a Deaconess of the church and a member of the choir. She followed her mother’s footsteps and joined the Maids and Matrons Club. Connie served faithfully in these ministries for more than 20 years and did so until she was no longer physically able.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, (Malcolm A. Council) and a loving husband (Johnnie Council) of 54 years.  She leaves to mourn her passing one daughter, Althea Hickman of Portsmouth, VA, six adult grandchildren, William Anthony Hickman of Portsmouth, VA, Shawn Hickman of Colorado Springs, CO and Lisa Hickman of Portsmouth, VA., Tanisha Council, Michael Council and Samantha Council all of Baltimore MD.   She is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Doris W. Booker of Richmond, VA, Sylvia L. Boston of Hampton, VA, Beverly W. Blount (Marion) of Mahopac, NY;

brothers Edward D. Woodard Jr. of Fayetteville, NC, Richard L. Woodard (Marjorie) of Vero Beach, FL and Dennis A. Woodard (Susie) of Richmond, VA, many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

She will be remembered as an upbeat person, who was full of life, loved her family and loved to praise the Lord.  She was dearly loved by her daughter and grandchildren.   She was a caring and giving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend.

With saddened hearts, we stand on these shores and say so long…but loved ones wait on distant shores to welcome her home.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018, 1 pm at New St. Thomas Baptist Church, 2700 Elm Ave., Portsmouth, VA  23704.