Alice Jacqueline Woodard

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Alice Jacqueline Woodard, age 87 on March 1, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alice, born Alice Jacqueline Bowser on March 14, 1937, was the third of nine children born to Carrie Mac and Harry Bowser in Portsmouth, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her siblings Helen, June, Alvin, Vernon, Walter, James, and Ronald.

Alice was a natural leader from a young age. As a child, she took charge of her younger siblings, often assigning herself the responsibility of keeping the house in order. She would command the children to leave the house while she completed the cleaning, and if the weather was unfavorable, she would allow them to stay, but only on the stairwell.

Alice graduated from Norcom High School in Portsmouth, VA, where she served as the captain of the girls' basketball team. She was an accomplished athlete and an admired leader during her high school years. In addition to sports, Alice enjoyed singing and, alongside her brother Vernon, became well-known in the community for their performances in local clubs, especially for their rendition of "Let It Be Me."

In 1956, Alice was crowned Miss Sunset Lake and was also honored as the third runner-up for Miss Iroquois. Her beauty, grace, and charisma were evident to all who knew her.

In her early adulthood, Alice met her future husband, John H. Woodard Jr., at Hattie's Chicken Shack in Saratoga Springs, New York. They married on December 13, 1958, and together they had four children: Monique, Darryl, Dennis, and John III. 

She is preceded in death by her loving husband John H. Woodard Jr. and her son Dennis Woodard.

She is survived by Monique, Darryl, John III, and her brother Charles.

Alice was a devoted member of Unity Baptist Church, where she served as a Deaconess, Church Clerk, and Notary Public. She was an extraordinary soprano singer, known for her powerful voice, which carried the influence of Mahalia Jackson's style, combining the highs of a soprano with deep, soulful lows. Her love for singing was only matched by her passion for poetry. Alice’s words resonated deeply within her community, whether it was from grade school when she wrote:

“Stop, Look and Listen! Before you cross the street. Use your eyes, use your ears and then you use your feet.”

Or her heartfelt admonitions to her church congregation:

“Stop your fighting! Stop backbiting. Stop repeating, mistreating, you’re my people. Look what you’ve done! No-one has won. You have faltered, you’ve altered my word. Listen to me, hear what I say! I’m the judge of what should be done. So wait on my word, when you have heard, I want you to Stop, Look and Listen. I’m the way, the truth, and the light. The battle is won, so why do you fight? I sent my Son to show how to live. Love is the answer. Learn how to give. Stop your fighting! Stop backbiting.”

Alice’s life was a testament to love, faith, and resilience. She lived by a motto that shaped everything she did: “It’s what you do with what you got, and never mind how much you got.” Her unwavering belief in making the most of every situation, regardless of resources, was an example to all who knew her. She approached life with grace, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose.

Her contributions to her family, church, and community will never be forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, kindness, and the unwavering belief that love is the greatest force in life.

A service celebrating Alice’s life will be held at Unity Baptist Church (543 Marion Dr. Las Vegas. NV 89110) on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Wake and 11:00 a.m. Funeral . In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Unity Baptist Church in Alice’s memory.

Alice Jacqueline Woodard will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her spirit will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.