A CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR

Carolyn Woodfork

January 6, 1940 – November 10, 2026

Like a steady lamp in a classroom window, Carolyn Woodfork brought light, purpose, and care to those around her. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the youngest daughter of the late Ollis and Maude Dumas and grew up in the church family of Greater Avery AME Church. Carolyn began her journey to Glory at Lake West Hospital on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 5:23 a.m. She was 86 years old.

A Legacy of Education and Service

For more than 31 years, Carolyn served as a classroom teacher in the Cleveland Public School System, including her cherished years at John F. Kennedy. She was also a member of the Cleveland Teachers Union.

Carolyn loved the classroom and took pride in teaching, encouraging, and inspiring young people. She became a pillar in Cleveland’s education community and spoke her mind about voting, politics, and the changes she believed would make the world better. If you knew Auntie, you knew she always had something to say about our president.

The Legacy of Carolyn

To us, she was our beloved Aunt Carolyn. She was an adopted mom, a neighborhood mother, and a school mother. Though she had no biological grandchildren, many knew her as Grandma. Auntie loved cooking, shopping, playing her numbers, and planning bus trips to New York or Atlantic City. She always had goodies for us in that pink bag from Conways in New York. Carolyn did things her way, and she was unapologetic about it.

No matter the season, Aunt Carolyn swore by her Vicks VapoRub. If you had a cough, a cold, or the flu, she’d reach for that familiar jar. Before you knew it, she’d rubbed some on your chest, covered it with a cloth, and put a dab on your upper lip just beneath your nose. That was Auntie’s way of taking care of us.

Carolyn worked hard, carried a joyful spirit, and stayed focused on what God had called her to do. Her faith sustained her through life’s trials, and she prayed without ceasing for her loved ones. In her final moments, she knew her family was there with her. Together, they remembered the moments that mattered most to her.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her daughter, Maudiece Woodfork, and her sisters, Leila Mabel Taylor and Mildred Du’Mas. Her memory is carried by her nieces Jacqueline Sims (Charles Sims, Jr.) and Terri Taylor, her nephews Teddy and Gary Hogan, and a host of nieces, great-nieces, great-great-nieces, great-great-great-nieces, cousins, and countless friends.

As we reflect on her life, we measure Carolyn’s legacy in the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the memories she leaves behind.

Though her earthly journey has ended, Carolyn is reunited with loved ones in Glory and rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her love lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Forever Loved. Forever Remembered. Forever in Our Hearts.