On June 11, 2025, Joseph "Joe" Linwood Woodley was peacefully summoned home to be with the Lord. Born on November 5, 1949, in Waverly, Virginia, Joe was a humble, kind-hearted man whose life was a true example of service, faith, and love.

A 1971 graduate of Sussex Central High School, Joe later made his home in Hopewell, VA, where he began his career at Firestone Plant. His deep love for people and his community led him to the Hopewell Public School System, where he worked in various schools over the years. His final and most cherished role was at New Hope Academy, where he served faithfully until his health declined. Joe had a deep and abiding love for his New Hope family - the staff, the students, and the atmosphere of care and encouragement that filled the halls. He took joy in supporting the children and being a steady, positive presence in their lives.

In 1988, Joe was baptized and became a devoted member of the Arlington Road Church of Christ in Hopewell, VA. He served faithfully as an Elder, and his passion for sharing the gospel touched countless lives. Joe baptized so many people over the years that he affectionately became known as "Joe the Baptizer." He truly loved the Lord and was always eager to teach others about Him and His Word.

Joe's life was rooted in love and service. He volunteered with Hopewell Recreation and Parks, delivered meals with Meals on Wheels, mentored young boys through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, coached youth basketball, worked with the Hopewell Boys Club, and drove the van for senior citizen trips. Wherever help was needed, Joe showed up with a willing heart and open hands.

He was a true Hopewell Blue Devils fan and could often be found in the stands, cheering on the teams and supporting the youth in his community with pride. Joe was also a devoted sports fan - especially when it came to basketball, which he loved to watch and play. Known for his signature hook shot, he earned the nickname "Hook Shot Joe." And when football season rolled around, he proudly rooted for his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

One of Joe's most cherished gifts was his incredible sense of humor. He loved telling jokes and stories, often leaving those around him doubled over in laughter. His storytelling was legendary - filled with wit, warmth, and life lessons. Even in his final days, he kept his
family and friends laughing, offering comfort through joy and light-heartedness when it was needed most.

Joe was a devoted family man and the steady rock of his loved ones. His greatest joy came from being with his family, especially his beloved wife of 54 years, Edith L. Woodley, whom he adored and cherished deeply. The love he had for his children and grandchildren was unmatched - he supported, guided, and uplifted them in every way. They were his pride and joy, and he made sure they always knew how much they were loved.

Joe was preceded in death by his "Pop" and mother, Norman and Josephine Parham; his biological father, James Lee Woodley; his sister, Ella Mae Atkins; and his brother, Robin Parham.

He leaves to carry on his memory: his loving wife, Edith; his children, Lisa Woodley Potter and Chioke Woodley; his grandchildren, Demetrius Holloway, Shamari Woodley, Jordan Potter, Shaniya Woodley, Shatiara Woodley, Shariah Woodley, and Sharyan Woodley. He is also survived by his sisters, Gloria Shaw (Roger), Ruth Randolph, Hazel Hill and Mabel Hill; brothers, Piolet Parham (Victoria), Norman Parham and Dr. Jerry Parham (Loretta); a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends - including his devoted brother-in-law, Clarence Smith, Jr. and devoted friends, Dr. James Michael Crusoe, Brenda Pelham, Elvin and Jackie Edmonds, Shelia Robertson, Keith Crews; and his adopted mother, Minnie Bailey.

Joe's warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering faith touched everyone he met. His legacy of love, laughter, wisdom, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Hopewell High School Auditorium, 400 S. Mesa Drive, Hopewell, VA, Dr. James Michael Crusoe, eulogist.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to support the students at New Hope Academy in Joe's memory, in honor of his love and commitment to the students and the mission of the staff.  For addional information on how to donate online, please contact the academy at (804) 541-6433 or you may scan the QR Code:

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.