Huntsville - Mary, an only child, was born to Martin Van Buren Nowell and Gladys Frey Nowell in Nashville Arkansas on December 1st, 1930. She went to be with her Lord and many loved ones on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025.

Mary met WWII Veteran William Pete Woodward while they were attending University of Southern Arkansas and they were married on a rainy December 26, 1954, in Nashville Arkansas. They initially made their home in Saline Michigan until Pete's job transfer moved them to Malvern Arkansas where their daughter Susan was born. Another job move sent them to Little Rock Arkansas where their son Bill was born. When Bill was about 1 year old, career advancement relocated the family to Texas and eventually Houston where they lived for many years while attending Sharpstown and Westbury Churches of Christ.
For 40 years Pete and Mary were inseparable, sharing life's adventures and love, not unlike a fairy tale. For nearly three decades, Mary served as an Administrative Assistant in the Executive offices of Houston Baptist University.

Mary deeply loved her family and friends, was fiercely loyal and when she felt the need, protective of them. She loved her country and above all she truly loved the Lord and lived a life showing the light of His love to everyone around her. Mary was a passionate prayer warrior and was devoted to praying daily and fervently for all of her family, friends and her country. If Mimi said you were in her prayers...she meant it!

Pete and Mary both retired in 1993 and moved to Elkins Lake in Huntsville Texas where they were active members of Huntsville Church of Christ.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, William Pete Woodward, in May 1995, and their daughter, Mary Susan Woodward, in February 2021. Though their absence was deeply felt, she kept their memories alive as she led her family with strength and love.
She is survived by her son, Bill Woodward and wife Greta of Bryan Texas; grandchildren Will Woodward, Joe Woodward and wife Laura, and Katie Woodward Mayers and husband Yancy. Mary is also survived by Greta's sons, Charles and Jay Elliott.

Mary, "Mimi", was also blessed with seven wonderful great-grandchildren, Joseph, Aaron, Andrew, Amber, Audrey, Roxanne and Winry.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday May 17th at Huntsville Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations to Huntsville Church of Christ, Lupus Research Alliance, Lighthouse for the Blind, American Cancer Association, American Heart Association or St. Jude Children's Hospital.