Emma Jean Franklin Woodard entered eternal rest on January 10, 2024. She was born on February 12, 1950, to the late Mary Effie Hall and Curtis Daniel Franklin. Emma was united in Holy matrimony to Edward C. Woodard, who survives.

Emma Jean was a faithful wife and mother. She was active in her community and devoted her life to helping others find and follow Christ. Her courageous heart and generous spirit were a guiding light that shined brightly everywhere she went.

Emma was a graduate of Bowie State University. She was licensed and ordained as a minister and served as Interim Pastor: at Roanoke First Church of the Brethren from September 1993- December 1993, at Troutville C.O.B from September 1994-June 1995, and at Cloverdale C.O.B. from September 1995-July 1996. She later served as Associate District Executive Minister at Virlina District from January 1, 2000-April 21, 2017. Following that she served as Interim Pastor at Daleville C.O.B. from October 1, 2017- December 31, 2017, and at Jones Chapel from June 1, 2018-December 31, 2019. She served as Interim Pastor at Bethany C.O.B. from July 15, 2020 - August 31, 2022, and finally became the Pastor of Bethany C.O.B. from September 1, 2022-January 10, 2024.

A Servant's Heart~ She did her best!

In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by her brother, Stuart Franklin; niece, Angela Franklin; sister-in-law, Carolyn Franklin, and father-in-law, Cornelius Dawlson Woodard.

Those left to cherish Emma Jean's memories are her loving and devoted husband, Edward Cornelius Woodard; daughter, Hope Elizabeth Woodard Staton; son, Nathan Cornelius Woodard; and grandson, Cornelius Cash Woodard. She also leaves two brothers, Russell Franklin and Ray Franklin; three nieces, Melissa Saunders, Michelle Pizarro, and Teresa Witten; nephew, Dean Franklin; two sisters-in-law, Edna Franklin and Carolyn Moulse and mother-in-law, Nella Zocchi Woodard.

For those who are unable to attend the service in person, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren (Roanoke) will broadcast the service live from their Facebook page. The link for the service will be available on Friday, January 19, 2024.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make contributions to West End Center for Youth 1226 & 1223 Patterson Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA.