SPRING HOPE--Alta Beck Woodard, 87, went home to be with God after a year long battle with cancer, which she fought as hard as she could. Alta was born in Rowan County, the 10th of 11 children, to Arthur and Zelma Beck. Alta had a strong faith, and was active in church. She graduated from Gardner Webb University with a major in biology and a minor in psychology.

She began her career at the Lab of Hygiene in Raleigh, when a friend introduced her to a man who would become her husband of 62 years, Walter Woodard. She then became a teacher, and taught English and biology until she retired. Alta was a talented artist and seamstress, and she also knitted, crocheted, tatted, and played the organ. Her home is filled with beautiful things she created. She was a talented writer, and wrote short stories about her family history. She won blue ribbons for a short story, and for her tatting.

Alta and Walter enjoyed square dancing as a hobby for many years, and she had a collection of crinolines and dresses that she wore to the dances. Of course she made the dresses. Alta grew and foraged plants that she used to make home remedies for all kinds of ailments. She also marketed Gold Valley Strawberry Jam, which she made from the strawberries grown by Walter on their farm. Alta was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was a sweet and generous person. One of her greatest joys was her grandchildren, and she loved nothing better than planning fun things to do with them, and having them spend the night at her house.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Walter Woodard; daughter, Elaine Ihrie (Mike) of Louisburg; son, Daniel Woodard of Raleigh; grandchildren, Sara Stone, Jessica Iverson (Sean), and Steve Stone; and great-granddaughter, Quinn Iverson.

Visitation with family and friends was Sunday, July 7, 2019 from 1:00-3:00 PM at Cornerstone Funeral Home. Graveside service followed at Evergreen Cemetery of Wilson.

Cornerstone Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Woodard family and words of comfort may be shared at Cornerstone Funeral Home, 1052 South First Street, Nashville, NC 27856.

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