Louise Woodall

Benson, NC: Mrs. Louise McLamb Woodall, age 92, of 16 Park Place died peacefully surrounded by her devoted and loving family on Tuesday, November 5, 2013.  Funeral services will be 11:00AM Friday, November 8, 2013, at the Benson Baptist Church.  Rev. Charles Royal will officiate.  Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery.       Born in Johnston County on January 14, 1921, Louise was the daughter of Jessie Martin and Myrtie Austin McLamb.  Following the early loss of their mother, Louise and her now deceased sister, Almyra George of Fayetteville, were blessed with a cherished step-mother, Velma Brady McLamb.  Louise was the valedictorian of her graduating class at Benson High School.  She attended Woman’s College, now UNCG, to prepare for a clerical career.  She married her high school sweetheart, Will E. Woodall, who predeceased her after a 62 year marriage.  Joining her husband in his family department store, Louise’s incomparable sense of style and fashion were instrumental in the expansion of the Woodall’s chain, founded in 1906.  This grand matriarch loved her family, her home, her friends and her lifelong church, Benson Baptist Church, where she began the ministry which prepared and served meals to families who had lost loved ones.      Survivors include cherished sons, Bill Woodall & wife, Noela, and Tony Woodall & wife, Judy, all of Benson. Her legacy is especially appreciated by her grandchildren, Eric Woodall of New York City, Clay Woodall & wife, Isa, of Raleigh, Mart Woodall of Raleigh, and Kathryn W. Youngs & husband, Bryan, of Raleigh. Especially dear to Louise were her adored great grandchildren, Spence & Austin Youngs and Eva Woodall & Noelle Woodall.     Family will receive friends at Benson Baptist Church fellowship hall from 9:30AM to 10:30AM Friday prior to the service.     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Benson Baptist Church, P. O. Box 323, Benson, NC  27504, 3HC Home, Health & Hospice Care, 723 S. 3rd Street, Suite C, Smithfield, NC  27577, or Benson Area Medical Center, 3333 NC Hwy 242, Benson, NC  27504.     All of her family is saddened but extremely proud of this grand lady whose well-lived life left this world a legacy of goodness, grace, and beauty.