Laura Ann (Sanders) Woods

Laura Ann Sanders Woods left this earthly world on November 26, 2022, at her home in Baytown, Texas. She was born in Galveston, Texas on May 1, 1932, the only child of Ralph Ridley Sanders (1898-1974) and Anna Belle Crownover Sanders Nations (1905–1992).  Laura married the love of her life, Jimmie Ray Woods (1930–1992), on August 2, 1957, in Wichita Falls, Texas, where they met at the Wichita Falls Time and Record News. There were two daughters born of this union, Della Ann Woods and Laura Suzanne Woods Hutchins. Her daughter Suzanne married Wesley Clark Hutchins of Channelview and had two children, Clayton Holden Hutchins and Hilary Lauralyn Hutchins. Black felines were a love of Laura’s, especially her Midnight II, whom she leaves behind. Laura had said it was kind of lonesome being one of the last corn stocks in the field, but there are some longtime friends that remember her, and she remembers. 

Laura was a proud alumnus of the University of Oklahoma with her Bachelor’s in journalism. She brought the skills and knowledge of photography and writing that she learned at OU (Boomer Sooner!) and used them throughout her personal and professional life. She worked at several newspapers, she was a “stay at home” mom, and a volunteer in so many areas. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, Beta Sigma Phi, and served on the Lee College Board of Regents. She was always interested in politics and community happenings. In her 40’s, she decided to further her education. She was in the first graduating class of the University of Houston at Clear Lake City, where she received her Master’s in Personnel. She retired from the City of Houston in 1994, after working in Personnel, Community Relations in the Houston Police Department, and in Public Works. Then she began the next chapter in her life, exploring her creative side. She worked in jewelry making, beading, enameling, polymer clay, and gem and minerals. In 2020 when Laura turned 88, she was surprised with a huge birthday parade. She was so proud of that celebration and loved being the center of attention.

Laura joined the First Christian Church in Norman, Oklahoma and continued her Disciples of Christ membership here in Baytown. She was a 60+ year member of Norman Chapter #41 Order of the Eastern Star in Oklahoma.

The family would like to acknowledge the caregivers from Synergy Home-Care who looked after Laura, especially April who had been with her since August. 

Visitation will be held at Sterling White Funeral home in Highlands, Texas on Thursday, December 1, from 10 to 11 AM followed by the funeral service at 11 AM. Burial will be at Sterling-White Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her favorite fella, Jimmie.