Elsie Veonia Walker Woodland was awarded her heavenly wings on April 21, 2025, in Midlothian, VA after a lengthy illness.  Elsie was born in Brunswick County, VA on July 23, 1946. She was the fourth child of the late James Sr. and Martha Walker. At an early age, Elsie was baptized. Over the years, she joined several churches. When she moved to the Chester, VA area, she joined Tabernacle Baptist Church and was a member of the Ushers' Board.

Elsie graduated from James Solomon Russell High School in 1963. While in school, she was inducted into the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools. She was an honor student and took advanced classes. She competed in, and won, awards at state competitions in both science and mathematics.

Elsie attended Virginia State College and was inducted into the Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society. She was also inducted into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA). In 1967, she graduated with an Undergraduate Degree in mathematics. She later attended George Mason University and earned her Master's Degree.

Following college, Elsie moved to Baltimore, MD and began her teaching career. In July of 1969, she met the love of her life, and best friend, Phillip Woodland II. One year later, they were married on August 1, 1970. They were married for more than 45 years. During their union, the goddaughters and godsons were born. Elsie and Phil loved to travel. She enjoyed challenging jigsaw puzzles and even completed a 3,000-piece puzzle measuring 48" x 32"! Elise also loved to show off her beautiful flower gardens.

During Elsie's career as a mathematics teacher, she worked at Baltimore City Public Schools, Milford Public Schools (Delaware), Arlington County Public Schools, and Prince William County Public Schools. In 2002, she retired from Woodbridge Senior High School in Prince William, VA. Her retirement began after 33 years in the classroom.

Elsie was preceded in death by her "Hubby", Phillip Woodland II; her sisters, Cynthia Johnson, Hazel Miller, Bettie Ingram, and Jacquelyn Walker; and her brothers, James Walker, Jr., Paul Walker and Mark Walker, Sr.

Left to cherish her memories are sisters, Melinda Hill (Errol) and Helen Pearson (John); godchildren, Natasha McGhee (Chante), Carmen Ingram-Thorpe, Krishna Ingram, Ashely Miller, Raven Collic, John Pearson, Jr. (Hind), and Travis Hill; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and sorority sisters.

Services will be held 3:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Tabernacle Baptist Church Community Life Center, 444 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor, eulogist. The interment will be held 11:30 A.M., Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider gifting a potted plant or contributing to the planting of a memorial tree.

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