Delores Woods

Delores Woods, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and dedicated educator who touched countless lives, passed away on February 20, 2026. Her legacy of service, leadership, and compassion continues to live on through her family, students, and community.

A proud graduate of Macedonia High School, she achieved the honor of salutatorian. Delores pursued higher education with distinction. She attended Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, and later earned her master’s degree in Library Science from East Texas State University.

Her commitment to education began at Macedonia Elementary School in 1960. The following year, she first taught at J.J. Rhoades Elementary School in Daingerfield, Texas. In 1966, she was a pioneer working as the first Black teacher to serve at Lone Star Elementary School. After being employed as a classroom teacher, Delores transitioned into the role of librarian—a position she cherished deeply until her retirement in 1997. Her dedication to education did not end there; she later decided to join the work force by continuing serving her community as a member of the Daingerfield Lone Star Independent School District Board of Education.

Outside of her professional life, Delores enjoyed spending meaningful time with her family, engaging in long phone conversations with friends, traveling, gardening, and completing crossword puzzles. She was a devoted member to Mt. Mitchell Church of Christ, where she took great joy in teaching during Vacation Bible School and in faithfully organizing programs for the women’s ministry.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents John and Autura Garrison, Herman Woods, her son James Jenkins, Jr., bonus son Ricky Watson, her brother Howard Garrison, and her sister Gloria Henderson. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Terra Stewart (James Stewart) McDonough, GA, her grandson Shawn Stewart Atlanta, GA, and her granddaughter Simiko Stewart, Tianyvu (Sowande Tianyvu) Ft. Irwin, CA. She is also lovingly remembered by her great-grandchildren Talon Stewart, Jordan Stewart, Samir Tianyvu, and Journey Stewart, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones, and friends.

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