Orissa Jordan Woodard blessed the parentage of Fannie Mae Jordan and Lon Williams on June 4, 1936 in Fort Worth, Texas.
She was a graduate of the Historical I. M. Terrell High School. She attended classes of theology in the Dallas Baptist Seminary to broaden and enriched her knowledge of the Bible.
In her youth, Orissa professed a belief in Jesus Christ to be her Lord and Savior, she was baptized Into The Fold Of Christ by the late Bishop E. L. McBride of Gospel Temple Christ Holy Sanctified Church in Stop Six.
Orissa was a faithful member of Gospel Temple. Her love of gardening was a service she extended for her church home. She was a talented designer, enriching her home and projects for others.
In 1952, Orissa united in holy matrimony with David Woodard. They became the proud parents of 7 children who they raised in a warm and loving home in the Historic Stop Six Community of Fort Worth.
Orissa loved the Stop Six Community and became an activist preserve its legacy of being a close and proud community. She was active in the Stop 6 Empowerment Association and served on the city planning board to help protect the community's interests.
Orissa was a licensed LVN and cosmetologist. Like her extended family, Orissa had ran her own business. Possessing strong work ethics of working hard, honest and paving your own way, she instilled that in her children.
In 1999, she was preceded in death by David, beloved husband after their bond of 47 years.
Her Twin grandchildren Dyani Denise Giddings and Darryll Wayne Giddings II
preceded her in death in 2002. Their son, Ronald Ray, preceded her in death in 2009.
On March 8, 2022, Orissa fell asleep in the Arms of Jesus Christ, who cradled her in His Arms as he took her to Heaven, reuniting with her beloved David, Ronald and ancestors.
Cherishing the beauty, love and memories of her life is her family: Children: Warner and David F. Woodard, Donna Thomas, Sharon Williams, Sheila Crowe(Drafford),and Tonya Giddings(Darryll)
Her host of precious grandchildren and great grandchildren; extended family, friends and those who were blessed to have known her.