Marcelle Mitchell Woods

Mary Marcelle Mitchell was born on Nov. 23, 1928 in the Piney Woods home of her parents, Julia and Manse Mitchell. She was their second child, second daughter. She was from the beginning a kind and gentle person. She was educated first in Rosevine, then in San Augustine after her family moved to a home on Hwy. 21. Three more Mitchell children followed Marcelle. The greatest tragedy of her life, and that of her family, was the accidental death of her youngest sibling in 1945.

When Marcelle was still in high school, a young man returned to San Augustine from Army service in WWII. He was her future husband, the love of her life, G.W. "Shorty" Woods. His own mother said that he came home from town one night and told her that he had seen the girl he was going to marry. He did not know her name ... just that she was one of the Mitchell girls. He even leaned in the car window of Marcelle's boyfriend one evening to say just that. The rest is history ... a loving marriage to the end. It lasted 66 years until his death in 2012.

Marcelle was the Proverbial devoted wife. We would ask that you read Proverbs 31 :10-31. It is a description of our mother. Her husband and her children were her life. When grandparent time came, she embraced that role just as she had always embraced being a mother. It is said that the greatest gift a father can give his children is to cherish their mother. That has certainly been the case for us. Furthermore, our mother was devoted to our father. How blessed we have been!

Marcelle was a gifted seamstress, an excellent cook, a gardener. She and Shorty were long-time members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Port Arthur. Their beloved congregation ultimately merged with the Methodist Temple, where she remained a member. She spent many happy and productive hours working with the "Women's Society", teaching Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, Mothers' Day Out. She was also a member of a garden club, PTA, and any support group of her children's interests. She was finally the neighbor of longest standing on High Avenue. On her street, she was known for helping her neighbors; for being the one who took food, drove people to appointments, and collected money for memorial flowers or gifts.

One of Marcelle's happiest endeavors was the estate sale business she formed with her dear friends Melba LeDoux, and Karen "Susie" Hardin. The three of them had great times going to garage sales, and then conducting estate sales for other families. Mom's garage sale finds became legend in our family.

Our family wishes to express deepest gratitude to Scedonia McClain, Patrice Cormier, Laurena "Ms Lo" Cole, and Sonya Riley for their excellent care of our mother during her battle with Alzheimer's disease. Because of these wonderful ladies, Mama has been able to stay in her own home until the end of her life on Oct. 11 , 2021 ... comfortable and at peace.

Marcelle is survived by her three children: Patti Woods Smithhart of Lufkin, Mitch Woods and Corby of Toledo Bend, Julie Woods Spencer and Mike of Port Neches.

She is survived by her eight grandchildren: Clint Woods and Heather, JaneAnn Mann and John, Jason Woods and Stephanie, Manse Draper, Tyler Woods and Jodi, Marci Hebert and Travis, Cori Williams and Taylor, Jolee French and Caleb. She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren.

Marcelle leaves behind her three surviving siblings: Jane Sublett of San Augustine, Sue Burk of Irving, Buzzy Mitchell and Laverne of Nederland. She is also survived by eight nieces and nephews.

She leaves a huge hole in our hearts, and in our lives. We know that Daddy was waiting for her. ... that she is back where she belongs ... by his side.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2021 in the sanctuary of the United Methodist Temple from 5:00 until 7:00 PM. Please wear a mask.

A funeral service for Marcelle will be held the following day, October 15, 2021 at 11:30 AM at McMahan Chapel United Methodist Church near San Augustine. Burial will follow in the McMahan Chapel Cemetery. We ask that you wear a mask for this service.