Lawonna Louise Woody June 21, 1953 – January 12, 2026
With hearts full of both sorrow and quiet gratitude, we bid farewell to our beloved Lawonna Louise Woody, a gentle soul whose life overflowed with unwavering love, quiet kindness, and deep devotion to her family and faith.
Born on June 21, 1953, in Olney, Illinois, Lawonna grew up surrounded by the warmth of family. As the eldest of several siblings, she tenderly helped raise two of her younger brothers and sisters during her childhood years. When her family later moved to Tampa, Florida, she embraced the role again, nurturing her third sibling with the same selfless care that would define her entire life.
It was in Florida that a beautiful chapter began where she met the love of her life, George Lewis Woody, Jr. Their love blossomed into a sacred union, and they were married on October 9, 1971, in the Noble Methodist Church. Then again married and sealed to their children in the Los Angeles, CA Temple, in 1981. Together, they built a home filled with tenderness and commitment to their faith. Lawonna devoted herself fully to their two precious children, pouring her heart into motherhood with endless patience, understanding, and affection. She was the soft-spoken anchor of her family—always empathetic, supportive, and ready with a listening ear or a comforting embrace.
In 1978, Lawonna found an even deeper well of strength and joy when she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith became the gentle guiding light of her life, bringing peace, purpose, and an eternal perspective that sustained her through every season. She lived her testimony quietly but powerfully, reflecting the Savior’s love in her kindness to all she met.
Lawonna was a loving mother, sister, aunt (“Antie”), cousin, daughter, friend, and cherished “Annie Bananie” to her many grand-nieces and grand-nephews, whom she adored with every fiber of her heart. Her soft voice, warm smile, and open arms created a haven of love wherever she went.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Lewis Woody, Jr.; her father, Cecil James Thomas; her mother, Della Irene Lassater; and her sister, Cheri Thomas Tracy.
Lawonna returned to her Heavenly Father on January 12, 2026, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of love that will echo through generations. Though our hearts ache with her absence, we hold fast to the promise of reunion through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, trusting in our Father’s perfect plan.
She is survived by her devoted daughter, Christina Woody Scull and son-in-law Justin C. Scull of Hudson, FL; her cherished son, Michael James Woody and daughter-in-law Sandra Toliver Woody of Unicoi, TN; her brother, Gregory C. Thomas and sister-in-law Barbara Schwartz Thomas of Olney, IL; her sisters Roxanna Thomas Cantrell of Olney, IL, Renee Thomas Browning and brother-in-law Wayne Browning of Plant City, FL, and Shirley Seessengood of Olney, IL; and many beloved nieces and nephews—Jonathan Browning, Cassandra Browning, Jennifer Harman, Scott Thomas, Tanya Boewe—and a host of grand-nieces and grand-nephews who brought such delight to her life.
A funeral service to celebrate Lawonna’s beautiful life and honor her enduring legacy will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Plant City Ward, 1805 N. Park Rd., Plant City, FL 33563, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. All who knew and loved her are warmly invited to join us in remembering her gentle spirit and sharing in the comfort of the gospel.
The burial will follow, at a later date, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. For updates or information, please contact (813) 610-3200.
In these tender days, we invite family and friends to share stories, photos, memories, or messages of Lawonna below—along with your contact information if you’d like us to reach out. Your words and recollections will be treasured by all who loved her.
Please keep our family in your prayers as we gather to say goodbye, celebrate her life, and look forward with faith to the promised reunion made possible through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
