Burnice Woods' Obituary
Burnice Westbrook-Woods was born on November 8th, 1933 to Rould Westbrook and Lizzie Walker in Bellevue, Arkansas.
Burnice was later married to James Edward Woods, Sr. in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where they started their family. After the passing of her husband, Burnice moved to Jackson, Michigan to be near her family.
Burnice was a provider to many; she was a caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother.
She was the last of an era; through her eyes she was able to see this world in many forms, and lived to tell it. She would often tell stories of her childhood, memories with her siblings and parents and the good times they shared together.
Burnice was a no nonsense woman, yet she was a sweetheart at the same time. She would lend a helping hand to anyone in need without a hesitation. She has touched each and every one of us in a special way, whether it’s mama, sister, granny, Aunt Bernice, or just a friend.
Burnice was preceded in death by her parents; Rould and Lizzie Westbrook, husband; James Woods, Sr., two children; Johnny Ray Carpenter and Arlene Woods, five siblings; Rodger Westbrook, Earnest Westbrook, Eunice Oliver, Leonard Westbrook, and Lawanna Sue Westbrook, and two grandchildren; Nathaniel Cooks, Jr. and Angela Pettis.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children; Carol Pettis, Shelia Carpenter, Sherry Carpenter, Johnny Woods, Inez (Leon) Prather, Larry Brooks, Timothy Woods, James Woods, Jr., Antonio Woods, and Demetrias Woods, her three adopted children; Bobby Jay Smoot, Tiffany Smoot and Danielle Smoot, grandchildren; Tony Jennings, Shanta Russ, Fredrick Osby, Corey Jennings, Eric Jennings, Dewayne Pettis, Threasa Pettis, Dewight Pettis, Nicole Henry, Jasmine Woods, Kalahara Bailey Jr., Tynika Woods, Danny James Woods, Anthony Estes- Smoot, Omar Bailey, Kwanna Woods, Twanna Woods, Ebony (Lin) Washington, Starkeisha Woods, Trayshawn Smoot, Miracle Gatlin, Demetrise Verse, Orlando Carpenter, Tataneshia White, Johnny Smoot, Wallace Lacy Jr., Shotoyna Jenkins, Antoine Brooks, James Moore, Jamar Moore, Cameron Moore, Stevie Richmond, Alice Rolland and Larry Brooks Jr. She also leaves seventy-four great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, and a host of friends and loved ones.
What’s your fondest memory of Burnice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Burnice?
Share a story where Burnice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Burnice you’ll never forget.
How did Burnice make you smile?

