Howard Woolridge

March 1, 1927 - January 23, 2016

Bro. Howard Woolridge was born to the late William “Papa Bill” Woolridge Sr. and Emma Victorian Woolridge on March 1, 1927 in Whiteville, LA. He was called to his heavenly home on January 23, 2016 at 5:15 p.m. in Lake Charles Memorial Hospital ICU. He was a faithful member of church growing up. Bro. Woolridge left home to serve in the United States Army where he served in World War II until his health failed and he was honorably discharged. In 1951 he married the love of his life, Irma Lea Jones Woolridge and to this union one daughter, Judy Ann Woolridge Bellard of Lacassine, LA was born. Bro. Woolridge joined Old Emmanuel Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA where he was baptized and served for a number of years. After marriage he and his wife Irma joined Zion Travelers Baptist Church where he was a member for 53 years under several pastors; served as Head Deacon on the Deacon Board; taught Sunday school and BTU services. He also worked faithfully around the church doing up- keep projects. He joined New Faith Baptist Church under Pastor Lawrence Miller where he served as a member of the Deacon Board, later becoming a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church under Pastor Nathan Stevens where he served until his health failed. Bro Woolridge was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 131 Master Mason in Welsh. Bro. Woolridge worked for 27 years at the Port of Lake Charles as key carpenter where he retired. He also worked for Sweet Lake Land Company; served as a deputy sheriff for many years and he also worked as a driver of Meals on Wheels in Calcasieu Parish. Bro. Woolridge is survived by his daughter, Judy A. W. Bellard; granddaughters, Tishla and Tameishia Bellard; great granddaughter, LaJardaen Easton; brother, Floyd “Pet” Woolridge (Annie) of LaRose, LA; sister, Alice Wright of Beaumont, TX; God children, Preston Cormier, Rena Mae Victorian-Cahee and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Irma; parents, William “Papa Bill” Woolridge Sr. and Emma Victorian Woolridge; sisters, Ida Young, Justina Stevens, Emma Hampton, Flossie Hampton; brothers, Robert Woolridge, Hayes Woolridge, Sr., William Woolridge, Jr. Funeral services will be in New Faith Baptist in Lake Charles on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Nathan Stevens officiating. Burial will follow in Lorraine DeRouen Cemetery in Hayes. Visitation is Saturday in the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.