With gratitude and love, the family of Mary Ann Carson Woods announces her passing at the age of 94 on Monday, March 23rd in her home surrounded by a family that loved her deeply. Visitation will be at Trinity Methodist Church on Friday, March 27th from 11:30 – 1:00 with a service following at 1:00. A family interment will follow at Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens, 1270 Highway 544 in Ruston.
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents Harold Pierce Carson and Bertha Bramlett Carson, husbands Abe Harris, Jr. and Joe Woods, special sister-in-law Eleanor Harris Brown, and best friend Jackie Hanks.
She is survived by her daughters Mary Eleanor Harris Temple and husband Robert Temple and Melanie Carson Harris Zachry and husband Patrick Hall. Mary Ann was blessed with wonderful grandchildren: Robbie Temple and wife Virginia Birch Temple, Andrew Hunter Temple and wife Morgan Martin Temple, Ashley Zachry Carter and husband Jared Carter, and Jeffrey Harris Zachry. In addition, she also cherished her beautiful great-grands: Cameron Harris Temple, Mary Claire Temple, Carley Rae Carter, Anna Katherine Temple, Ava Caroline Temple, and Andrew Hunter Temple. Joe Woods’ children also held a special place in her heart as did her Alaskan friend Karen McCasland.
Born in El Dorado, Arkansas, on October 31, 1931, Mary Ann was a “Halloween baby.” Her special connection to Ruston began with her studies at Louisiana Tech University where she was a proud member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Her love for the Ruston Community was strong.
One of her joys was Mary Ann’s Bookstore which she owned and operated for twenty-five years. Many friendships were formed as she assisted valued customers and visited throughout the downtown area where she made lifelong friends like Bill Rogers, Dicky Thompson, Jimmy Dodds, Larry Jarrell, and Bill Baldwin.
Her Wednesday morning bridge group was a staple for at least fifty years! Three tables of ladies not only played cards but also made lasting friendships. When serving as hostess, Mary Ann was sure to offer her cucumber sandwiches. Our family did not request leftovers or the recipe! Two important traditions of hers each week were the bridge club and a standing hair appointment!
Mary Ann was an energetic member of the Ruston Chamber of Commerce which she often represented and promoted culminating in her receiving their highest honor: the 2020 Robert E. Russ Award. She was also on the board of the Lincoln Parish Museum. Another civic endeavor of hers was serving on the Tourism Board. She enjoyed traveling around the state with Lallage Tucker promoting tourism in Lincoln Parish. We are not certain how much tourism they procured, but they definitely had a large time!
Another Ruston treasure for Mary Ann was the Dixie Theater where she recruited and organized volunteers and helped raise funds for restoration. She was instrumental in promoting the Wildwood Express Band which featured her husband Joe Woods. After his passing, she continued his legacy by securing funds and organizing a tribute show dedicated to Joe, an annual popular show that still continues. The Dixie honored Mary Ann with a 2024 Legends award because of her outstanding contributions.
One of her coveted honors was being named Queen of the Krewe of Allegro at the Mardi Gras Ball in 2018. The night was truly a celebration for her. She relished being the “belle of the ball” and danced the night away with King Larry Jarrell.
Wanting to remain physically active, Mary Ann joined the Dixie Dancers. This activity became an important aspect of Mary Ann’s later years. When she could no longer tap dance because of failing health, she continued to join the group and enjoyed watching their practices, all the while tapping her feet! Perhaps her favorite part of the Dixie Dancers was the sequined, sparkly costumes, which had a special closet in her home!
Mary Ann had a deep love for Trinity Methodist Church where she was a faithful and active member for more than seventy years! Some of her fondest memories were of singing hymns in the Chancel Choir of which she was a longtime member. Even when her health was waning, she managed to be present and smiling. Micky Cloud and the choir members were wonderful in supporting her and caring for her.
Mary Ann led a full and rewarding life, one filled with family, faith, friendships, joy, and many accomplishments. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Luke 1:45 describes Mary Ann’s spirit: “Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises He made to her.”
The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to The Dixie Center for the Arts, Trinity Methodist Church Chancel Choir, or The Methodist Children’s Home.
Pallbearers will be Robbie Temple, Hunter Temple, Cameron Temple, Jeffrey Zachry, and Tommy Rogers. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the special women who lovingly cared for her: Remona Buffett, Louise Lamkin, Nikesha White, Gracie Thornton, Veronica Edwards, Felicia Malone, Vontella White, Kelly Bingham, and Patsy Colvin. We are also grateful for the outstanding care of Amy Vance of Premier Hospice, Dr. Shane Phillips, and Dr. George Smith.
