Obituary of Billy Lavon Woodson

Billy Lavon Woodson passed away peacefully on March 23, 2023.  Bill was born in Black Rock, Arkansas to Clay & Irene (Ward) Woodson on September 16, 1932.  He attended many schools while his dad was working for the Frisco Railroad in Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Missouri.   Bill married the love of his life, Jewel Cobble at the Walnut Ridge, Arkansas Assembly of God Church on October 6, 1951. Bill retired from Lawrence Brothers in Sterling, IL after 41 years of service.   

Bill loved people and never knew a stranger.  He enjoyed fishing and camping and was an amazing woodworker.  He loved working with his hands and loved seeing the joy when he gave his beautiful wood carvings or turning away.  Bill was devoted to his wife and son, Rickie.  He will always be with us in our hearts. 

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Jewel (Cobble) Woodson, parents, Clay and Irene (Ward) Woodson, brother James Woodson.  Left to cherish Bill is his son, Rickie Woodson and wife Adell of King, North Carolina; Grandchildren; Andrea (Michael) McDonald of Pfafftown, North Carolina, Melissa Woodson of Paris, France, Christopher (Anne Douma) Woodson of Pfafftown, NC, David (Catherine) Woodson of Christiansburg, Virginia.  Great-grandchildren: Emily, James, and Elizabeth “Elsie” Woodson, Victoria and Christian McDonald, and Joseph and Charlotte Woodson. Bill is also survived by sisters-in-law Geraldine Weed, brother-in-law Earl (Carol) Cobble, sister-in-law Kathleen (Woodson) Miller. Bill will also be missed by his nieces and nephews and countless friends. 

We wish to thank Kelvin and Lori Weed for always being there for Bill. And to Dr. Racanelli and his staff for the care they gave graciously to Bill.  

We would like to ask that in lieu of flowers you consider giving a gift to the International Mission Board at the following link, www.imb.org/generosity/give-now and in the drop down menu of where you want your gift to go please choose “missionary or team” and put in Sub-Saharan African Diaspora Team-Paris.  Or to a charity of your choice in Bill’s memory.  

The family will greet friends at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, IL on Friday March 31, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm.  A memorial service will be officiated by Reverend Don George. Graveside rites and interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.   

Please visit www.schillingfuneralhome.com to share condolences and memories with the family.