Obituary of Bernard L. Woods

Bernard Lincoln Woods, aka, "Deacon Woods", "Chief Woods", and "Captain Woods", went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 2, 2020. After a hard fight with Parkinson's Disease, he answered the whisper from the Lord, calling him from a life of labor and service, to his eternal life of victory and celebration with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bernard was 81 years old. He was born June 11, 1938 to the late William and Bessie Woods in Camden, New Jersey. He was the youngest of eleven children. Bernard was raised in Berlin, New Jersey. He attended St. Bartholomew's Catholic School and matriculated to Lower Camden County Regional High School, where he graduated in 1957. During high school, he was a member of the wrestling team and a member of the track and field's cross-country team. Bernard was always a hard worker. While in school, he worked part time worked at the A & P Supermarket. He began working at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital as a senior in high school, where he continued his career upon graduation. He also attended Camden County College. In 1961, Bernard began his professional career as a correctional officer at the Camden County Sheriff's Department. As an effort to help the community, he also volunteered as a Boy Scouts Master. While working full time as a correctional officer, he also worked part time as the Chief of Police for the Borough of Chesilaurst. bernard graduated from the City of Camden Police Academy in 1976. Years later, he was promoted to Chief ID Officer for the Camden County Sheriff's Department. He worked with the Camden County Sheriff's Department for 37 years and retired with the rank of Captain in 1998. Early in life, he attended Green Grove Baptist Church, where his father's one of the founders. As a young man, he faithfully attended Sunday School. Later in life, he became a dedicated member of Green Grove and was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Caldwell. After becoming a member, he joined the Inspirational Chorus and was active in several other ministries, which included teaching Sunday School, serving on the Usher Board, mentoring couples in the Couples Ministry, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, and served as the Church Treasurer. Hr remained faithful in his ministries at Green Grove. Under the leadership of Rev. W. L. Turner, he was ordained as a Deacon and thereafter became the Chairman of the Deacon Board. After the passing of Rev. Turner, Deacon Woods was very instrumental in the selection of the church's current pastor, Rev. George E. Holland, whom he dearly loved and highly respected. He served diligently, dedicating himself to his ministries, his Reverend,, and Church family until his passing. Growing up in Berlin, one of his neighbors was Della R. Christian. Over the years, their friendship grew to the two becoming childhood sweethearts. In 1957, they married and formed a sacred union. From this union, there were two sons, Gerald "Jerry" and Bernard Kevin, and one daughter Malinda Traci. Bernard and Della were married for 62 years. He devoted himself to his wife and children. Bernard was an honest and genuine family man. Everyone who knew him knew the love he had for his entire family. Bernard Woods was many things to many people over his lifetime; husband, Dad, Daddy, Po, Grandpop, Pop-Pop, G.G. Pop, Deacon, Sir, mentor, confidante, protector, counselor, and friend. He touched the lives of many and will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him for his legacy of love and faith. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Della R. Woods, two sons, Jerry, B. Kevin (Donna), one daughter, Traci, one special niece, Renee, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, and loved ones.