Suzan "Sue" Woody

Born on December 30, 1941, in Livingston, Texas, Suzan Faye Bandy Woody was the only child of Ray Edward Bandy and Essie Mae Harrison Bandy. She lived a happy childhood in the Piney Woods of Livingston. Sue played clarinet in in high school marching band. Sue reigned as Miss Livingston Courts in several beauty pageants. Sue graduated from Livingston High School in 1960. The following fall she enrolled at Sam Houston State University majoring in elementary education, but happily settled for her M.R.S. degree after meeting the love of her life, William T. Woody. Sue and William were married 57 years until his passing December 18, 2018.

Sue lived a joyful life as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend to many. Her family is comprised of Bill Woody with his children, Lyndsey, Will and Carson. John and Cindy Woody with their children J.D., Tom, Lauren and Brian Combs and their children Glen and Mark. Sue was sister-in-law to Mary Woody Wolfe and Aunt Suzie to Clint, Kenneth, and Mary Lynn along with their families.

Sue, or Mrs. Woody as she is known by a legion of Lorena High School Alumni, began her service with Lorena ISD in 1972 as the high school librarian soon transitioning to the role of high school principal’s secretary and, often, unofficial assistant principal. Faculty, staff and students alike grew accustomed to the phrase, “ask Mrs. Woody” when most any category of information was needed. Maintaining a positive, cheerful, courteous demeanor, she always kept the ship sailing in the right direction. Rarely (if ever) did anyone speak a cross word to or even in speaking of Mrs. Woody. She retired in 1999 requiring three new employees to fill her position in the school system. Later she served on the school board of trustees fulfilling Mr. Woody’s after his passing. She then won election to the board on her own merit serving until 2022. If Texas public school systems had Matron Saints; Lorena Leopards from the 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and even the 2000’s would earnestly agree Mrs. Woody would easily fill that role for her beloved Lorena schools.

Sue attended Lorena Methodist Church since 1964. She enjoyed helping with church activities, Sunday school and 4F fellowship activities with dear friends. Throughout her life, Sue enjoyed reading, playing piano, her dogs and cats, sewing, crochet, dining out with friends, holidays with family, and anything and everything to do with her husband William’s career, the FFA, and the Lorena Independent School. In summation, she was known as Suzan, Sue, Honey, Aunt Suzie, Momma, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, and endearingly...Mrs. Woody.