The celebration of a life is much like a story. Michelle Woodard Smith was certainly the writer of her own spectacularly wonderful story. She was born to JoAnn Washington and Earnest Woodard on November 11, 1966. Michelle was loved and reared by a community of family including her beloved Grandmother Josie L. Habersham. Michelle grew and thrived in Savannah Georgia graduating from Windsor Forest High School and later Graduating from Savannah Technical College.
Michelle excelled in the art of Cosmetology and Barbering. She worked her way up from Stylist and Barber to Master stylist and eventually created formal training manuals and exercises for two Schools of Cosmetology. She also managed to work a stint in radio at Savannah’s own E-93 FM. Michelle throughout her varied career has created multiple businesses, wrote a screen play dealing with spousal abuse, wrote a book to assist battered women, created and founded a platform that addressed sexual assault ME3, wrote and created a children’s series inspiring children with disadvantages to instill self-esteem and goal-oriented exercises through stories, songs and color associative play. Michelle was a visual storyteller who shared teachable moments on her multiple social media platforms with over twelve thousand subscribers.
The position she cherished most was that of mother and grandmother. Michelle loved and was so proud of her children and grandchildren. Michelle enjoyed the time she spent with her family. Although many of her endeavors were geared to helping others, changing the lives of others through stories and platforms that she created. It was her family that gave her the greatest joy and inspiration. It was for her children that she strived to create something bigger than herself. Something noble and good that would be a legacy for her children to share and remember her. Of all the stories that Michelle shared and created…the one that included Chamberlain, Carrington and Ashley was the momentous one.
Michelle was not only devoted to her immediate family but her church family as well. She strived to have a more meaningful relationship with Jehovah and in doing so inspired others to seek the truth and comfort that she found in her faith. Michelle was a generous and giving soul that never met a stranger and had empathy for those in need and misunderstood. She was blessed with the skill of sharing a story, personal experiences and that brilliantly dazzling smile and life affirming laugh that would uplift the saddest heart or energize an apprehensive individual into action. The trajectory of her life was limitless and will not end because of those who have shared her space and love will carry and share not only her memory, her words but also her generosity of spirit.
It is with total submission to the will of Jehovah that we announce the transcendence of our beloved Grandmother, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend, storyteller, and artist Michelle Woodard Smith.
She leaves her memories to be treasured by her parents David and JoAnn Washington; children Emmit Chamberlain Smith Jr., Carrington Demetri Woodard-Smith, Ashley Antoinette Smith. Michelle had a sister Wanda Hayes and a brother Antonio Woodard. She was thankful for her spiritual mother Mary Struggler. The grandchildren Caleb Alijah Smith, Rileigh Amaya Smith, Brooklyn Smith, Chloe Lailani Drayton, Haley Serena Drayton, Willie Jenkins IV will tremendously miss their grandmother. She had a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
The memorial service will be held at Families First Funeral Care Chapel Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm.
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Felisha Foreman
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Michelle was a pleasure to be around.
Francine Harrison
My heart is so heavy. Everyone kept coming my phone last Monday. I had a feel that something bad had happened. I never thought that, my sister was gone so soon. We have had lots of good times. We had been together from young adults to older adults. Girl, I am going to miss you so much. I love you, so much. Please let God know, we are still working here on faith, hope and love. My God bless your children, your mother and siblings. May you rest in peace.
Love , Francine
Carmen Reynolds- Howell
My condolences to the family. I remember Michelle being full of life with such a big, beautiful smile. We were classmates and part of a crew who hung together at lunch . Over the years we lost touch with one another but thanks to Darlene Rutger who had Michelle on the phone when she saw me in a restaurant , I was able to reconnect with her via phone this month. I told her I would call her later and we’ll talk more . Lesson learned never put off what you can do today for tomorrow. I thought about Michelle several times during the week before her death even picked up the phone to call but I said “no I’ll do it later. “ Life is so short. love on your people while you can. Praying for strength and comfort for her children and her loved ones.
Mary P. Thomas Arbee
Michelle Woodard was my homeroom student at Windsor Forest High School and I loved her. I am saddened to learn of her passing. Homeroom students remained with the teacher all four years at Windsor. That made her extra special to me as all of my homeroom students were. I got to know them/ her very well. Michele was loving, very kind, funny, got along well with others and always had that bright smile on her face. She had a thirst for knowledge and a love for people. Yesterday, I found out on her Facebook page that she considered me to be one of her favorite teachers; she certainly was one of my favorite students! After Michelle graduated and moved away, we were in touch periodically. I was so happy to know that she was doing well and enjoying life. Michelle’s passing has left sorrow in my heart for that is where she was in my life. Rest in peace, Michelle. I will always remember and love you.
My sincere condolences to the family. I send love, hugs and prayers to you. May God strengthen and comforts us all.
Renita Graves
Growing up down the street and hanging out with Wanda, I saw Michelle as a big sister I never had. She always for full of life, great personality, and always smiling. We reconnected on Facebook and would share a joke from time to time. I thank God that I had the opportunity to know Michelle not only as a neighbor but as the big sister I’ve always wanted. Praying for comfort and peace for your family.
Lipscomb-Graves Family
Meanth Grace Saulon (Philippines)
I love you so much Sis. We might be calling ‘sis’ but you have always been a mother and a best friend to me. We are miles away and we haven’t had a chance to see each other physically but you have touched my whole being with your presence, our beautiful conversation, and our laughs. God has given me a gift that I will cherish my entire life. There are lots of things that I’m going to miss:
-your laugh
-your bright smile
-your motherly advice
-the verses you’re sharing
-your thoughts
-your advice
-your warm presence
My sister, I never had an idea that you’re already with OUR FATHER above until today. I’m crying so hard wishing I could hug you. My heart’s broken because I lost a dear friend that is so precious and so loving. Until we meet again my sister. Thank you for everything. Mahal kita.
Your baby sister forever,
MG