Barbara A Woods
Funeral Livestream Link :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qASpBiyocGo Dr. Barbara Woods' Obituary Dr. Barbara Ann Woods was born to Amelia Grubbs on September 29, 1953 in Alexander City, Alabama. She was nurtured in this rural community and molded by her loving family, sisters, and neighbors. She had a special relationship with her grandfather, who catalyzed her love of gardening and encouraged her to openly speak her mind. Early in life, Barbara learned how to speak her truth yet understood that others also had perspectives. She had enough humility to know that others may see things differently than she did. Her journey in faith also began in her youth. She accepted Christ as her Lord and her Savior as a child and was baptized at Flint Hi...[more]View Full Online Obituary and Tributes
Baptist Church in Alexander City. Barbara excelled in Alexander City schools and graduated from Benjamin Russell High School in 1971. Following guidance from a high school teacher, Barbara majored in Home Economics Education after graduating from high school and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Alabama A&M University in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Barbara was inducted into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through the Delta Delta Chapter at Alabama A&M University on March 2, 1974. As shared in her Extension and Outreach Oral History Project Interview, (1) her experience at Alabama A&M and being in community with faculty and staff of varying backgrounds inspired her. She envisioned the possibilities of being an exemplary professional woman of color. Barbara then worked for three years in Alabama Extension as a County Home Economist in Muscle Shoals. This career opportunity cultivated her philosophy about serving communities. Her motto was: "Go where the people are. Work with them where they are and help them to get where they want to be." This job also sparked her interest to learn more about evaluation and impact. She decided to pursue a doctorate and was admitted to the top-ranked, nationally recognized program of Family and Consumer Sciences/Home Economics Teacher Education at Iowa State University in 1978 and specialized in program evaluation. While pursuing her doctorate in Iowa, Barbara began serving the community to expand access and opportunities for women, children, and people of color. Barbara overcame unsolicited questions and uncomfortable stares from locals by building a network of supportive professors, peers, congregants at First Baptist Church in Ames, and the Des Moines Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She actively participated on the YWCA Board and collaborated to conduct a university climate audit, schedule speakers, offer safe meeting spaces, empower girls, and host cultural celebrations. She championed a more welcoming climate in Iowa while completing her doctoral requirements. She earned her Ph.D. in 1981. These educational and professional experiences laid the foundation for a remarkable career in Extension and Outreach that spanned 42 years at Iowa State University. She held various positions including Assistant to the Vice Provost of Iowa State University Extension and Special Projects Manager. Over four decades, Barbara made significant and enduring contributions to Extension and Outreach in all 99 Iowa counties. Notably, Barbara led the team that created computer networks in 107 offices and connected these offices to a wider network on campus in Ames; these technological advancements positioned Iowa State University Extension as a national leader for almost a decade. Barbara was also the principal investigator for a nationally recognized, federally funded Children, Youth, and Families at Risk Grant Program (CYFAR), which employed evidence-based programs with 11-13-year-olds and their families to increase positive outcomes for at-risk populations in Iowa and other states. Additionally, Barbara worked closely with staff across the state to support precise data reporting and outcomes. She also collaborated to develop meaningful educational materials to "give voice to people and ideas that were not often included" in her words. Her efforts have ameliorated challenges underserved Iowans experience in Extension and Outreach and improved how Iowans are engaged through grants, programs, and services, which in turn, improves their quality of life. Barbara shared lessons learned through local, state, national, and international presentations and publications and Extension resources. She was an active member and leader in professional associations like the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Barbara led countless committees, task forces, and initiatives. She co-founded the Black Faculty and Staff Association, which formalized a social network that had been meeting to offer support, safe space, and professional development to individuals in the community. While leading impactful work as a professional, Barbara was a great team member. In meetings, Barbara's eyes were a window into her thoughts about the conversation. One could count on her direct, candid perspective about any given topic. Without question, Barbara invested much of her career investing in the lives of students, faculty, and staff to promote their success at Iowa State University. She supported generations of professionals and students in the 47 years she lived in Ames and was an advisor to student groups for decades (e.g., Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Iowa State University and Drake University, Black Graduate Student Association). She took the time to understand their goals and needs and then offered a beacon of light forward. Barbara was always willing to take a walk, meet on a bench near beautiful landscapes, share a meal, or travel to an event in her Camaro to show her support. If you were lucky, she prepared a meal or a dessert for you to lift your spirits. Ever committed to supporting others from all backgrounds and advancing the mission of Extension and Outreach, Barbara was honored with numerous university awards including the 2011 Iowa State University Award for Distinguished Service, the 2016 MLK Advancing One Community Award, the 2017 Career Achievement in Outreach, the 2018 Woman Impacting Iowa State, the 2019 ISU Inclusive Excellence Award, and the 2021 ISU R.K. Bliss Extension Award. Her impact across the state was recognized with a 2016 American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences - Iowa Affiliate Distinguished Service Award. The American Evaluation Association also bestowed a national award to her for Excellence in Extension Evaluation Training in 2013. She was most recently inducted into the Iowa African American Hall of Fame in 2024. This award-winning professional was just as engaged on campus as she was off campus. Her longest affiliation was with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In September 2024, she was honored for her remarkable 50 years of steadfast service and commitment to the sorority. For over half of a century, there were milestones in her enduring journey of service. For example, she was consistently a financial member. In her early 20s, Barbara had the unique honor of hosting then-Regional Director Yvonne Kennedy (who later served as the 19th National President), a role that was uncommon for someone so young to assume, highlighting her exceptional leadership potential. Barbara dutifully served as Chapter President from 1986 to 1988, held officer and committee roles, and expanded membership of the organization by being involved in intake processes. She led efforts to build a Habitat Home in Des Moines to support the sorority's partnership with Habitat for Humanity and build 22 homes under the leadership of the 20th National President, Bertha Maxwell Roddey. Throughout her 50 years of membership, Barbara demonstrated unparalleled dedication to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., leaving an indelible mark on the organization. Barbara was also a faithful member at First Baptist Church in Ames for 45 years. Over the years, she visited the sick and shut-in, welcomed students and newcomers, and represented the church in local initiatives such as AMOS and Ames Ecumenical Housing Board of Directors. Her dedication to Habitat for Humanity was so admirable that funds were given to build a Habitat Home in Ames in Barbara's honor. She traveled across the U.S., Puerto Rico (a U.S. Territory), and Nicaragua frequently on trips to serve with a Baptist medical mission that worked in under resourced communities and remote villages. Barbara served on American Baptist regional committees and was board chair of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, which provided senior housing in six Midwestern states. At the time of her passing, she was deacon chair, social committee chair, and church moderator. Beyond her official roles, Barbara was a source of joy and inspiration in the congregation. A founding member of Ames chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Barbara joined 99 other area residents to create this network. For more than three decades, she dedicated her talent and time to assisting with the annual Freedom Fund Banquet, after-school tutoring program, and the Education Committee. She served as Secretary and was an active volunteer with NAACP events. For her efforts, she earned the NAACP Ames Branch Humanitarian Award in 2005. Barbara was also enthusiastic about financial literacy. In 1993, she partnered with 11 sorority sisters to create Looking for 12 Investment Club. This group continues today. The portfolio has grown tremendously over 32 years. Club discussions focus on education, growing the stock portfolio, and ensuring the stock selections reflect corporations with exemplary ethical footprints in their business transactions. An active member of the Rotary Club of Ames, Barbara joined the group on December 12, 1995. She modeled the club's motto Service Above Self for 29 years. Though she served on club committees and regularly attended meetings, her passion was supporting special initiatives like Ames Miracle League, planting trees and shrubs in the Tedesco Learning Corridor, and cleaning up parks with fellow Rotarians. In addition, Barbara was involved in other boards for shorter terms including Northcrest Inc. Board of Directors, Story County Extension Council, Ames Human Relations Commission, United Way of Story County, and American Red Cross-Story County chapter. Barbara brought her whole self to these organizations, offering her time and being a thoughtful decision-maker to influence the quality of life for area residents. In retirement, she had more time to support community initiatives. A master gardener, she also spent more time in her yard and home tending to her vast array of plants and flowers. She traveled often and delighted in quality time with her family and friends. Barbara peacefully transitioned on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, an area resource that she helped make a reality. As part of her service to the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors from 1999 to 2005, Barbara actively fundraised as part of the Dignity in Caring: Completing the Vision campaign. Though she died at 71 years of age, less than two years into a well-earned retirement, she completed her personal mission of "leaving the community better than I found it." Left to cherish Barbara's memory are sister Mary Alice, nieces Natalie and Miranda, grandnieces Amelia and Kennedi, cousin Harrison, a host of nieces and nephews, and special friends Mary Lois Brooks and Oscar Mary Norman. She was predeceased by her mother, her sister Eula, and her grandparents George Richard and Eula Dave Brown. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Barbara's life and legacy in Iowa and Alabama. In Ames, IA, the community may gather for a visitation on Thursday, January 23 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Grandon Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010. A celebration of life will take place on Friday, January 24 at 11:00am at First Baptist Church, 200 Lynn Ave, Ames, IA 50014. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega service will occur at 9:00am at the church. The family will receive friends after the service in the church basement. In Alexander City, AL, a visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Wright's Funeral Home, 131 Mason Street, Alexander City, Alabama 35010. (2) A homegoing service will be held on Thursday, January 30 at 2:00pm at Wright's Funeral Home. Barbara's final resting place will be Flint Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Though Barbara was a master gardener and loved flowers and plants, know that Barbara would prefer a more lasting tribute to her memory in lieu of these arrangements. The family encourages donations to area organizations that were special to Barbara in her memory, such as Human Sciences Extension and Outreach, (3) Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa (4), Reiman Gardens (5), Brunnier Art Museum (6), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s Research and Educational Foundation (7). The family wishes to thank the health care teams at McFarland Clinic, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Mercy One Hospital Des Moines, and Northcrest Health Center for their care and support of Barbara in recent months. Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com 1. https://iastate.aviaryplatform.com/collections/1725/collection_resources/55901/file/130169 2. https://www.wrightsfuneralservice.com/ 3. http://www.foundation.iastate.edu/Woods 4. https://www.habitat.org/ia/ames/habitat-humanity-central-iowa 5. https://reimangardens.com/ 6. https://www.museums.iastate.edu/visit/brunnier-art-museum 7. https://app.etapestry.com/cart/DeltaFoundationandEducational/default/category.php?ref=1570.0.195008544
