Henry "Smiley" Woodward

It is with great sadness that the Boca Grande Historical Society learned of Henry “Smiley” Woodward’s passing. She was an honorary member of our society. Henry took part in a history program in 2005 reminiscing about growing up in Boca Grande as a young child.

She charmed the audience with her special memories and re-established herself as a member of a very special community for which she will be remembered in our archives. As a result, she and the black community will not be forgotten.

Ms. Henry L. Woodward, 80, known to many as “Smiley,” passed away Wednesday, August 1, in Port Charlotte. She was born Nov. 8, 1931, in Clewiston.

A lung cancer survivor, Henry lost the battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She grew up in Boca Grande as a child, and later moved to Los Angeles, Calif., where she lived for over 40 years. Upon retiring from Xerox after 20 years, she moved to Punta Gorda, where she was active in many community organizations.

Ms. Woodward was active with historical projects in Boca Grande.

Ms. Woodward is survived by her family members, including her daughters, Tyrene R. Bristol of Jacksonville, Michele Stokes of Boca Raton, and several grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 10, at St. Mary’s Primitive Baptist Church, 605 Mary St., Punta Gorda. Burial was at Carl Bailey Cemetery of Cleveland.

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