Benny Woods

Benny Woods was a man who loved unconditionally.  He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, friend, and most of all, a true servant of Jehovah God.  

Born in Chicago, IL, Ben was baptized in Nashville, Tennessee on July 6, 1963, as a member of the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses.   He later served at the Delmar Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in St Louis, Missouri.

Ben was married to his love and best friend, Iris, for more than 53 years and was blessed with three children, Shanon, Aakiya, and Andrea, and five grandchildren.   Ben retired from Washington University of St. Louis in 2007 after more than 30 years of service in the Olin Library. While there, his contributions to chemistry research were recognized in the citations of dozens of published academic papers, and in 2006, Dr. Bruce Fegley, Jr., Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, gave a gift to Washington University Libraries in Ben’s honor.  Bookplates were placed in chemistry books purchased with this gift indicating that they were donated in Ben’s honor.  Benny was an inspiration to students all over the world, many of whom stayed in touch with him over the years, sending cards, letters, photos, and gifts as tokens of their continued appreciation for his dedication to his job, and to his students.

A fan of the blues, soul, and R&B, Benny loved the stage and shared his many talents as a singer and orator with audiences in New York, St. Louis, and Nashville.  A prolific poet, songwriter, and essayist, Benny wrote about beauty, hardship, and most of all, love, and everything else that touched his heart.

Ben truly loved Jehovah’s organization.  One of his most beloved scriptures was Micah 7:7, “But as for me, I will keep on the lookout for Jehovah.  I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation.  My God will hear me.”

Ben leaves a void in the lives of his family and friends.  He will be remembered for his beautiful smile, his deep melodic laugh, and his devotion.  Always fond of travelling, our brother, husband, father, cousin and friend has traveled on, and we will always miss him.

SERVICES: There will be a Memorial gathering in the Great Hall of Ambruster Chapel from 4pm until 5:30pm on Monday, June 19, 2023.

The Family would like to invite you to share photos and memories of Benny here on his Memorial page. Please submit your photos to AmbrusterChapel@yahoo.com.

To view shared photos, please click on the following link: Photo album

Also please click on the following link to visit Benny’s: Tribute page

Please click on the following link to view Benny’s: Memorial video