Minerva "Nergy" Woods

Minerva "Lil Minerva" Woods age 91, began this life on October 29, 1932, in Huntsville, Alabama to Inez and Solomon (Saul) Derrick. Minerva was one of 18 children, and the last one to be called home. Minerva transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on August 1, 2024, with family by her side. Minerva was employed as a Paraprofessional for Dayton Public Schools for 26 years. She loved teaching and assisting in the development of children. Minerva liked to cook, because she did not eat everybody’s cooking. If you know, you know. Her special dish was seafood pie. She absolutely loved seafood (Crab Legs) with her own special butter sauce. She loved her sour cream and cream cheese, as she would say “I lapped that up”. Minerva had special sayings that we all loved and enjoyed such as, “I’m still kicking just not as high”, “Come on if you coming”, “Who did it? God did it", “I know a man”, “Everything is lovely”, "I can’t be there but if you look over your shoulder, I’ll be there just call me" and her most favorite one of all, “99 and half won’t do”. Minerva was a member of Redemption Gospel Church for 13 years, where her grandson Michael Miles Pastored.

Minerva was a proud mother of 10 children. She leaves to cherish her precious memory, her beloved daughters and caregivers, Rev. Trudy Woods, Tonya Woods, and Sonya Woods; three sons, John Woods Jr., Dwright (Juncia) Woods, and Bruce Woods. Minerva was also a very, very proud grandmother of 25 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren, 63 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews; one sister-in-law, Fannie Derrick, one first cousin, Lucille White; many other extended relatives; and longtime neighbors, James & Christina Brown, Sheena Mitchell, Pattie Adams, Skip James, Maxine James, and Paris; and best friends, Ezell Smith and Sam & Valerie Wiggins. Preceded in death by her husband, John J Woods; stepfather, George Henry; daughters, McKelley Renee Haygood, Marsha Dozier, Annette Woods, and Joyce Ann Derrick; four grandchildren, Anthony Dozier, Shalice Derrick, Krishaun Woods, and Monique Woods; five sisters, Emma Lou Horne, Eliza Reed, Helen Derrick, Mollie Mae Reever, and Sollie Ann Crowder; and twelve brothers, Doris Derrick, Robert Derrick, SL Derrick, Ollie Derrick, Henry Albert Derrick, Savannah Derrick, and six other brothers deceased at birth; one uncle, Savannah (Doc) Derrick; and three Aunts, Vera Hill, Flossie Mae Miller, and Minerva Deathridge.

Minerva (granny) gave great advice, love and encouragement to her family. We will carry on Her legacy by displaying her leadership, strength, boldness, honesty, perseverance and laughter throughout our lives. Minerva was a great woman of God, not only was she a great daughter, a great grandmother, a great sister, a great mother, a great Aunt, a great friend, she was also our sister in Christ. We had some good times worshipping God together. We know that God favored Minerva by giving her so much time to spend with us. She has instilled in us love, self-respect, morals and values. She taught us well. She was a joy to be around and always had us laughing. She never missed a birthday, she always called. She will truly be missed by all who loved her. Granny Just to let you know, when we get to heaven, we will search for you until we find you. 'Til we meet again We Love you Always, Your family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 10-11:30am at Gods Way Triune Ministers, 4544 Old Troy Pike, Dayton OH 45404. The service will follow at 11:30am. Minerva will be laid to rest at West Memory Gardens in Dayton, OH.