Monzella Woolford Obituary (1928 - 2009)

Monzella Gertrude Johnson Woolford, 81 of Christ Rock, departed this life on Monday, November 9, 2009 at the home of her daughter in Baltimore, MD. She was born March 23, 1928 in Crapo, Maryland, daughter of the late Arthur and Dollie Johnson. Raised in Christian home, Monzella dedicated her life to Christ as a young girl. She attended the public schools of Dorchester County graduating from the Frederick Douglas High School. Monzella has lived and worked for most of her life in Dorchester County. She met and married Bishop Woolford Sr. and they were blessed with three children, Tyrone, Affilena and Bishop Jr. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. Monzella is known and loved by all in the Community and at St. Luke for her faithful and dedicated service to God and to her church. She is well known for her strong singing voice, often rendering solos and singing with her family ensemble. "The Johnson Singers" for many years. Monzella rendered many concerts for the first phase of St. Luke's building fund program. She is best remembered for her singing "It's In My Heart", "The Rough Side of the Mountain" and "I Am Redeemed". Monzella inspired other members of the church by her willingness to work hard, sacrificing her time, her talent and her gifts. Her kitchen became the church's bake shop. Monzella could be found many mornings in the cold of winter and in the heat of summer selling sweet potato pies, rolls, cinnamon loaf cakes and cinnamon rolls. Monzella often confessed her love for the Lord and was often teased about having a "big mouth for the Lord". She served St. Luke faithfully in the capacity of Licensed Lay Leader, President of the Good Will Club, Usher, member of the Senior Choir, The New Covenant Singers, the Building Committee and the Administrative Council. She was also active in the community "Women In White" organization. She traveled all over the Eastern Shore supporting all of the churches until she relocated to Baltimore to live with her daughter. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by three sisters, Marvel, Lottie and Purvady and three brothers, Gothalee, Nelson and Samuel. She leaves to mourn her death, her loving husband of 59 years, Bishop Woolford Sr.; three children, Tyrone Johnson and Affilena Sonnier (both of Baltimore, Md) and Bishop Woolford, Jr (Cambridge, Md); one son in-law, Shelton Sonnier; two daughters in-law, Gail Woolford (Bowie, MD) and Maretta Johnson (Denton, MD); one sister, Serena Gregg (Bowie, MD) and one brother, Addison Johnson (Salisbury, MD); 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2009 6pm at St. Luke UM Church 712 Bradley Ave Cambridge with a viewing 3-6pm only at the church. Interment Friday 10am at the Eastern Shore Veteran's Cemetery Hurlock.