Elder Dr. Mary L. Woodhouse departed this life on Saturday, December 30, 2023. She was born in Robersonville, North Carolina on March 31, 1937, to the late Mattie and Joe Perkins. She was the youngest of nine children.
Elder Woodhouse received her education in the South Norfolk County Public School System, which is now the Chesapeake Public School System. After accepting the call to the Ministry, she received theological training from Voice of Prophecy, Moody Institute, Norfolk State University and the University of Biblical Studies.
Elder Woodhouse has had a varied professional career. She was a Certified Nurses’ Aide. She served in the Chesapeake Court System as a Probation Officer’s Aide, One on One Counselor and on the Juvenile Advisory Board.
She was a member of the National Association for Female Executives, an Esteemed Member of Sterling Who’s Who, Hampton Roads Urban League, Chesapeake Humane Society, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicaid, the Association of Retired Persons, the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, the Chesapeake Chapter of the NAACP and many other organizations.
She was the Retired Founder and Pastor of the Philippians Church of Christ Holy Disciples where she served faithfully for many years. She was presented with a commendation from the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia in recognition of her building a new sanctuary. Elder Woodhouse was the first female Pastor to build a church in the City of Chesapeake. She was also presented a plaque from Lexington Who’s Who for her achievement in Occupation Industry Profession. Elder Woodhouse was certified as a Pastoral Addictions Counselor by the National Board of Addiction Examiners.
Elder Woodhouse was a woman of great integrity, called by God to minister to His people. She credited her success to her obedience and faithfulness to God.
Elder Woodhouse was preceded in death by her husband, Elder Thomas R. Woodhouse; her father and mother, Joe and Mattie Perkins; five brothers, Aulander, Harvey, James Christopher and Paul Perkins; three sisters, Fannie Lassiter, Sweetiebelle Phillips and Daisy Stith.
She leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Rev. Dr. Reginald C. Woodhouse (First Lady Sheila), Elder Thomas Q. Woodhouse, Sr. and Mr. Freddie Lane; three daughters, Missionary Mary Washington, Evangelist Gwendolyn Warren and Evangelist Deborah Peebles (Deacon Ronald); a special daughter, Elder Dr. Anissa Bishop, seventeen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, one brother in-law, Trustee Shelton Williams (Alva) and a host of god children, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives friends and many spiritual sons and daughters.
Condolences(20)-
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Pastor Randy Brown says
January 3, 2024 at 5:53 pmA Holy Woman of God!!! My spiritual Mother, she was very instrumental in my development as a young Pastor..I will greatly miss you, but I will see you again. Family we are praying for you,rest in Jesus, you all were taught to hold on to God’s unchanging hand, through it all God Bless.
Loretta Robinson McGill says
January 3, 2024 at 8:52 pmOn behalf of the family of the late “Iris Beatrice Robinson” we extend our heartfelt sympathy and love. We are saddened to hear of Pastor Mary Lee’s passing, yet we are comforted by the sweet memories of our mom’s dear beloved friend and the life she lived.
It is our prayer that God who is more than able will comfort and keep each of you in PERFECT PEACE, the PEACE that only He can give. When your mom see Jesus “AMEN”. What a time what a time.
Johnny and Estherine J. Harding says
January 5, 2024 at 12:30 pmDeepest sympathy and prayers to Pastor Woodhouse’s family. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time. This holy woman of God will so temendously be missed in the days to come. May she rest in peace from a great life of service truly dedicated to Almighty God!
Estherine J. Harding, NSU Retiree
Member, First Baptist Church West Munden, Chesapeake, VA
Cynthia L. Darcus says
January 6, 2024 at 11:11 amMy love and continued prayers are with you and the family. Continue to look up where all your strength lies. I am a friend of her daughter, Deborah.
Mr/Ms W. Lamont and Margot Monroe says
January 6, 2024 at 4:31 pmOur sincere condolences to our first cousins May our Heavenly Father provide you comfort and peace in the arms that will promise you strength.
You’re all in our prayers, in our hearts, and our memories.
Lovingly, PLP siblings
Autry Butts Sr says
January 7, 2024 at 12:31 pmSending heartfelt condolences during your loss. We are praying for the entire Woodhouse and Philippians Church family. We thank God for Mother Woodhouse who continuously poured into our family. Mother Woodhouse will be truly missed. Autry S. Butts Sr and Lorithenia Butts
Sheila Grace says
January 8, 2024 at 12:04 amMy Condolences and Prayers are extended to the entire Woodhouse Family!! We were neighbors during my childhood. Your Mother was an Angel on Earth! May God give you Comfort and that the memories of her will bring a smile to your hearts! God Bless!
Kesha Wilson says
January 8, 2024 at 6:48 pmI remember being a little girl and my Auntie Pastor Woodhouse and my Grandmother her sister Sweetie Belle along with their sister Aunt Fannie Mae, they would always talk about The Lord. They loves the Lord. Aunt Mary Lee is the reason why I have so much Faith in God. There has never ever been a time when around her that she wasn’t telling me how Good God is. She will be missed by so many. Take your Rest Auntie your job is well done. I love you 😍 💗 Thank you for all of the Beautiful and Wonderful memories ❤️ 🥺💪
Kesha Wilson says
January 8, 2024 at 6:48 pmI remember being a little girl and my Auntie Pastor Woodhouse and my Grandmother her sister Sweetie Belle along with their sister Aunt Fannie Mae, they would always talk about The Lord. They loves the Lord. Aunt Mary Lee is the reason why I have so much Faith in God. There has never ever been a time when around her that she wasn’t telling me how Good God is. She will be missed by so many. Take your Rest Auntie your job is well done. I love you 😍 💗 Thank you for all of the Beautiful and Wonderful memories ❤️ 🥺💪
Gladys Gray says
January 10, 2024 at 9:07 amTo The Woodhouse Family: There are so many fond memories of Pastor Woodhouse. From the time of Phillipi Church of Christ Disciples. Mother Woodhouse would play that piano & we would sing to the glory of God. ROSEMARY, BARBARA, BUNCHIE & SHIRLEY (?).THAT was a few that I can remember & oh yes The Norman Family. We had a wonderful time in the Lord. ELDER Tommy would let us have rehearsals @ their home. Reggie & Deborah were very young then. The last time I saw Mother Woodhouse was in Food Lion on Atlantic Ave. She was still looking beautiful & still talking about the Lord. It was just in her. SHE was a strong woman of God. We loved her & her family. We remember them all so well. Her mother & father lived near BURTON LUMBER CO. near the tracks. They were a beautiful family.!!!!. We will truly miss Mother Woodhouse, but the Word lives on. Look @ their beautiful children. The Word is in them. All Dr’s. Elders , Evangelists, Missionaries, Pastors , oh so beautiful. Yes Mother Lillie Mae Williams (103) daughter Gladys Williams Gray. REST MOTHER WOODHOUSE. You lived a beautiful holy life. Prayers are with the family. Mother will be missed. God bless you all. ❤️ 😍💖 ❣️ Gladys Gray
Linda Darlene Griffin says
January 10, 2024 at 10:00 pmSending condolences to the entire family.Pastor Woodhouse was truly a faithful servant of God and will certainly be missed.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace 🕊️
Michele Winfield says
January 11, 2024 at 7:25 amA Powerful Woman Of GOD She Will Truly Be Missed Your Family Is In Our Prayers
MISSY. REGINA FAITH WILLIAMS says
January 11, 2024 at 7:04 pmI AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I AM PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MAY GOD COMFORT YOU ALL THREW YOUR SAD TIMES.
Cleopatra Hunter says
January 11, 2024 at 7:41 pm🌸🕊️Sending my condolences to the family of Pastor Mary Woodhouse. I was introduced to Pastor Woodhouse by her daughter Mary Washington. This meeting happened when Mary invited me to Phillipians Church. Pastor gave a spirited sermon that gave me The Word and laughs that I will never forget. It was a blessing. Sending hugs and blessings to all of her strong legacies who will keep her preaching and singing forever.🕊️🌸
Deacon Leon &Yvette Turner says
January 12, 2024 at 7:05 amMy condolences to Pastor Woodhouse and the Philippians Church family
Reverend Dr. & Mrs. Linwood Boone, D. MIN. says
January 12, 2024 at 1:46 pmReverend Dr. & Mrs. Reginal Woodhouse: D. MIN.
Our prayers are with you and your siblings as you began your life without your mum. May her service to the Lord comfort you during this time.
Good night, Pastor, Emeritus Dr. Mary L. Woodhouse, we shall meet you in the morning!!!
Jesse Robinson Jr. says
January 12, 2024 at 4:53 pmOur deepest sympathy to our Woodhouse Family.
Reverend Woodhouse was a blessing to all who knew her. Though she will be missed in this world. I am sure she will be welcomed and rewarded for all of her faithful works deeds, as well as her faith in God and his son Jesus Christ.
Geoffrey Guns says
January 12, 2024 at 5:05 pmFirst Lady Rosetta and the entire Second Calvary Baptist Church family joins with me in extending to your family our deepest and most heartfelt condoloences. Words cannot express the depth of our collective sympahty we feel for your family. We are praying for your family in this hour of bereavement. May Dr. Woodhouse rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.
Betty Vinson says
January 13, 2024 at 7:45 amShe Was A Powerful Woman Of GOD A Woman Who Spoke The Words Of GOD Truly Your Family Are In Our Prayers
Lamont Simmons says
January 16, 2024 at 3:10 pm“My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends, colleagues and neighbors on the passing of the beloved elfer Woodhouse. She is soely missed.’
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