Elaine Deese Woodard

Elaine Deese Woodard, 73, who passed away peacefully at her home in the Heights on March 13, 2023, will be joyfully remembered in a memorial service on April 21, 2023, at 1:00pm in the Westmoreland Chapel of South Main Baptist Church at 4100 Main Street in Houston. A reception will follow at the church. 

Born on January 18, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Clare Maida and Barron Deese, Elaine grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana. After earning her B.A. degree from Louisiana State University, she moved to Houston where she worked in hospital software/database management. She subsequently earned a nursing degree from Lone Star College and worked as nurse for several years, eventually becoming an Information Technology Manager for Eclipse EHR Solutions until her retirement.

Elaine maintained a cheerful, determined attitude throughout her battle with COPD. She enjoyed her book club, knitting group, and South Main Baptist Church Pilgrimage Class. There was no better read for Elaine than a good political book that lead to fiery discussions and welcomed diverse opinions. She also liked a good novel with multi-layered characters who had flaws yet redeeming qualities. She was very eclectic in her theatre choices; if a play had some good belly laughs, it was even better. Before her illness, she traveled extensively, especially enjoying Southeast Asia. She was particularly proud of her uncle LTC Charles S. Kettles who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in Vietnam. In recent years, Elaine found delight in doting on her precious dog, Coco.

Predeceased by her parents, she also joins late friends Tom Page and Claudia Triche. She is survived by her loving cousins: Chris Kettles, Margaret Gupta, Michael Kettles, Carolyn Kettles, Debbie Maida Simpson, Rachelle Maida and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Elaine’s friends Robin Cooke, Spencer and Linda Gardner, Janine Catalano, Betsy Cain, Clare Johnson, Bethany Spurrier, Livonia Glaves and many others for their help in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Houston Food Bank, 535 Portwall St, Houston, TX 77029 (https://www.houstonfoodbank.org) can be made in Elaine’s name.