Stanley Leon

Woody

Stanley Leon Woody Sr., age 78, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Toledo, Ohio. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, and friend, Stanley's life was a testament to service, love, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

Born October 24, 1946, in War, West Virginia, to Rev. Alvin H. Woody Sr. and Aretta Woody, Stanley was raised in a close-knit community grounded in faith and education. A standout student and athlete at Excelsior High School, a broken leg altered his path to a basketball scholarship—but not his determination. He earned a B.S. in Education from Bluefield State College in 1968. He was active in student government and initiated into the Beta Theta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., on March 15, 1966, where he served as both Treasurer and President. He later received a Master of Education from the University of Toledo in 1974.

Stanley married the love of his life, Helen, in August of 1968. Their 57-year partnership was built on mutual devotion, flowers, gifts, handwritten cards for every occasion, lots of love letters, and a deep friendship. They moved to Toledo days after marrying, where he began his lifelong career in education.

From 1968 to 1977, Stanley taught Language Arts and Social Studies at Robinson Jr. High. During summers, he worked at Sun Oil Refinery and also helped inmates at the jail earn their GEDs as a teacher for the Lucas County Sheriff's Department—proof of his tireless work ethic. He advanced to administration serving as Assistant Principal at Sherman Elementary and Principal at Beverly, Longfellow, and Scott High School, where he made a lasting impact. At Scott, he established the school's first medical clinic, changed its culture, and proudly served during the 1990 State Championship under coach Ben E. Williams. He lovingly reflected on so many great memories at Scott and bragged about the wonderful choir as well as the Fantastic Dancing Machine band. He later became the School Improvement Leader for the Scott Feeder Pattern, retiring in 2004.

Even though Stanley received many awards during his TPS tenure, he most treasured meeting Rosa Parks, Colin Powell, and witnessing Chris Webber and Lebron James play before they made it to the NBA. After retirement, he joyfully embraced the role of grandfather and "family administrator," making sure every family member's house ran smoothly. His final and favorite job was picking his grandson up from school every day - which he did since preschool. He proudly told everyone this was his most important job, and he rarely asked for "time off".

He beat prostate cancer in 2008 and treasured summers with grandchildren Kemet, Kai, and Khari. He shared deep bonds with Symone, Stanley III and Aidan.

Stanley is survived by his beloved wife Helen Woody; daughters Stacey Hartman and Shawna Woody; son Stan Woody Jr. (Richandra); grandchildren Kemet, Kai, Khari, Symone, Aidan, and Stanley III; sisters Dorothy Norman, Pennsylvania; Sarah Lipscomb, West Virginia; and Janice Harrell, Ohio; special sister-in-law Dondra Jackson and special nieces Ashley Moradi, Kara Lawshe, Keva Miller; special daughters Beth Beasley and Joya Johnson; special family the Quinns, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Alvin Jr. and Conrad Woody.

Spiritually grounded throughout life, he accepted Christ at an early age at First Baptist Church in War where he also taught Sunday School, joined Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church with Helen in the early 70s, and became a part of the Walk the Word Church family, under Pastor Pettaway's leadership, in 2012.

Stanley loved traveling with the Millers and Johnsons, playing cards and dominoes with the Johnsons, hosting Phase 10 tournaments with the Johnsons and the late Calvin & Vicki Lawshe, watching old westerns, cheering for THE Ohio State and the Cleveland Browns, and supporting his children and grandchildren in every way. He admired coaches like John Thompson, Ben E. Williams, and, most recently, enjoyed watching the success of college football coach Corey Parker Sr.

Each evening, he could be found in his favorite chair watching any and all sporting events, the Food Network, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, proudly passing the trivia torch to Aidan - who sat next to his right side each and every day.

Stanley's legacy is one of love, integrity, and lasting impact—in every classroom, in every school building, in every home, in every family moment, and in every life he touched.