Sharyon A. Woodley

Obituary for Deaconess Sharyon Woodley

Deaconess Sharyon Woodley was born and raised in Norfolk, VA, on March 1, 1953, to the late Elsie Washington and CleoCrosby. She is the proud mother of one daughter, Renina Gordon, one son, Larry Gordon, Jr., and seven grandchildren, Sanquan, Raevon, Aaliyah, Tarvaris, Mehki, Michael III, and Destiny.

After graduating from Booker T. Washington Senior High School, Sharyon continued working for the Norfolk Public Schools system. She was certified as an elementary Teacher’s Assistant for 35 years until her retirement. During her tenure, Sharyon received numerous awards for her teaching service and exemplary performance beyond her job description. 

In the 1970s, Sharyon began to recognize God drawing her by His Spirit through the words of testimony by a close girlfriend, Aunt Doris. Following this, she visited New Bethel Church of God in Christ, where she accepted the Lord on that Sunday and joined under the pastorate of the late Elder Nathaniel Lee Wrenn. As a newly born-again Christian, Sharyon was water baptized and later received the indwelling baptism of the Blessed Holy Spirit. Involved in the life and breath of the church, Sharyon served faithfully in various capacities, including local, district, and state choirs; Young People Willing Workers (YPWW); and Youth Sunday School Teacher while seeking her place in the ministry.

Her father in the gospel was called from labor to Heavenly reward, and Dr. Anthony Lillard encouraged her to pray and diligently seek the Lord about her place in ministry. Through prayer, the Word, and the retrospect of her life, Sharyon understood that she was graced with the gift of help, alms, and deeds. First, the Lord led Sharyon to the Usher department, where she was trained by Aunt Doris, Head Usher, in both local and district assemblies. Upon Aunt Doris’ retirement, Sharyon was appointed to Head Usher of the Norfolk district, serving for many years. Secondly, the Lord led Sharyon to assist her Pastor. Whereas Pastor Lillard appointed her as his Nurse Aide and pulpit assistant, a role she served in for many years. Thirdly, Sharyon worked with the Hospitality Committee, cooking, baking her favorite sweet potato pie, and serving the Saints.

Desiring God to receive more Glory from her life, and seeking more fulfillment in her spiritual growth, Sharyon felt compelled to resign her membership from that branch of the Kingdom. Prayerful, she visited Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, where she fell in love with the ministry. This became home, a home where she learned many aspects of her spiritual walk with the Lord. As a result, Sharyon joined the Hallelujah Choir and earned certificates in Formational Prayer and Altar Work. Sharyon highly respected Dr. William L. Davis, Jr., whom she honored as shepherd and a “wonderful man of God.”

Sharyon enjoyed traveling to conferences, reading, cooking(especially chitterlings and pig feet), and baking sweet potato pies for holidays. She was a woman of prayer and intercession, a grace she appreciated.

Fun Facts about Sharyon

Sharyon liked butterflies, jewelry, and ALL things fashion! She liked doing word searches in her spare time, going on walks, and sitting on the beach. During free time, Sharyon loved to watch Westerns, Charlie Brown, and Only Murderers in the Building. She had a great sense of humor and loved to show off her beautiful smile. Sharyon was a pillar of support for all of her “babies” and friends. She cherished her family and keeping them thriving and united.