N. Jeanne Harrison Woodward

Reverend N. Jeanne Harrison Woodward was born the youngest daughter of Myrtle Walker and Benjamin Harrison on August 11, 1932 in Columbus, Ohio. Reverend Jeanne graduated from East High School at the age of 16. Jeanne loved learning and reading, a passion that continued throughout her life. Reverend Jeanne attended college at Ohio State University. She married Dorsey Marvel Woodward in 1952 and they had 6 children, all daughters, named Kathy, Kristy, Kim, Kia Beth, Kori and Kish. Reverend Jeanne was a dedicated civil rights activist and a crusader for social justice. In 1963, she ran for State Representative for the Columbus District, becoming the first black woman to win a Democratic Primary in Ohio. Reverend Jeanne accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior as a young adult. She was a dedicated member of St. Paul, AME church. She became an ordained minister in the Third District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in 1983. She was the pastor of two churches, Whitman Chapel in Belprey, Ohio and Mt. Pisgah Church in St. Clairsville. Reverend Jeanne served in leadership positions in many community and civic organizations, including the NAACP; the Medical Arts Club; Eastmoor High School PTA, the Ministerial Alliance of the Columbus District of the AME church. Reverend Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, mother, father, her beloved Aunt Louise, and half brother, Harold (“Pete”) Harrison. She is survived by six children, eight grandchildren, one great grandchild; her sister Mary “Peaches” Flint and half sister Sharon (Charles) Roberts; a brother-in-law Charles (Betty) Woodward, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Reverend N. Jeanne Harrison Woodward loved God, her family, and her church. She transitioned on March 28, 2011. She will be deeply missed by her family. Visitation: Monday, April 4, 2011 10:00 AM Service: Monday, April 4, 2011 11:00 AM