Marie Wortham Woodcock

Raleigh - Marie Wortham Woodcock of Raleigh, NC passed away peacefully on January 7, 2015 at Transitions Life Care. She was 95 years old. Marie was born in Henderson, NC in 1919. She was one of 12 siblings born to George and Essie Wortham. She met her future husband, Ralph Woodcock, in Henderson at Woolard’s Drug Store where he was a new pharmacist. Soon after their courtship and marriage in December, 1941, Ralph entered the Navy and was sent to the South Pacific for service during WWII. During this time while her husband was away, Marie spent her time between Henderson and  Charleston, SC, dedicating herself to the war bond efforts, organizing fundraising events and providing accounting skills. She thrived at this work. After WWII, Marie and Ralph moved to Rocky Mount where Ralph worked in a local pharmacy. In 1947, the young couple moved to Raleigh where Ralph worked for Upjohn Pharmaceuticals. In 1952 they adopted their daughter, Patricia, and in 1957 they adopted their son, Ralph E. (Woody) Woodcock, Jr. Their two children were Ralph and Marie’s proudest accomplishments.  Marie worked as a full-time homemaker and mother and was most happy raising her children and being her husband’s loyal wife and partner. She was loved dearly by her children and husband. In the 1960s, Ralph and Marie began enjoying ballroom dancing with several of their friends.  They were founding members of Dance Club XVII, founded in 1962.   She was a member of Club XXVII until it disbanded in December, 2013. Marie was an accomplished bridge player, played regularly with her bridge club that she was a member of for many years. She and husband Ralph were members of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She attended services, participated in church functions including the Alter Guild, and charities as long as she was able. Her church was a great source of comfort and fellowship to Marie.  One of Marie’s favorite things was to spend time with her family, especially her numerous nieces, nephews, and their children – who all enjoyed her home grown cooking, most especially her famous coconut cake.  Marie was the epitome of the four P’s: Pride, Perfection, Patience and Persistence. Marie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 49 years, and all 11 of her siblings. She is survived by her two children, Patricia (Johnie) and son Woody, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. The family would like to express their appreciation to her health-care providers, especially Greg Rose, MD, with whom she had a most special kinship for over two decades. Marie received the best care during the end of her life and her family could not be more grateful.  A special thanks to the caregivers in her home and to the dedicated staff at Transitions Life Care. A family burial service will be held on Friday, January 9, followed by a celebration of Marie’s life at 2 Pm Friday at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, Raleigh, NC. The family will receive guests in the fellowship hall immediately after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC 27608 or to Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh, NC.  Online condolences may be offered at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com .