Nannie Berkley Woodson

After a 96-year journey of living her best life, Mrs. Nannie Woodson was called to her Heavenly home on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. She was the daughter of the late Preston and Leathea Flowers and was raised as a 'country' girl in Buckingham County.

Nannie was a life-long resident of Scottsville, VA. She and her late husband, Russell Woodson, were married on May 31,1947 and they lived happily together until his passing in 2008. She was a devoted wife, and they both spoiled each other. Technically, they were married for 60+ years. Yet, in her heart, Russell remained the only man for her, and for the last 18 years since his death, she continued to mark their anniversary with celebration.

Together, they built a wonderful family life for themselves and their children. In fact, they lived in a house Russell built himself. From their marriage came five children. Tragically, Nannie’s first-born daughter, Carolyn, died as an infant. Carolyn’s death deeply affected her, and she still cried whenever recalling that day. They were later blessed with Barbara, Ronnie, Keith and Terry.

At an early age, Nannie became a devoted Christian who called Ridgeway Baptist Church her home. She loved Ridgeway and her church family. She contributed to the church in numerous roles and ways. She was loved, respected and adored by all. She was ‘granny’, ‘grandma’ and ‘momma’ to so many people who were not blood-related! In her later years, she held the title of 'Mother of the Church' and was recognized by many within the congregation as a trusted advisor and confidant. She was never afraid to tell you her opinion – whether you wanted it or not (ha!).

Nannie was small in stature, but large in life. She was a leader within Ridgeway and the community of churches in the surrounding counties. Her wisdom and devotion to the Lord's word was unquestioned. No matter what challenges life presented to her, she remained a true believer in God’s word. She did not fear death because she knew there was a better place awaiting her soul. That said, she certainly never gave in to health challenges – she survived car crashes, numerous falls resulting in broken bones, bruises, a hip replacement - whatever… She always rehabbed and came back like a champ!

She was a great storyteller! If you needed a fact from the past, she was the one to ask. She was a walking/talking ‘history book’.  Her mind stayed sharp to the very end, and her sense of humor was legendary. If you were to ask Nannie what made her most proud, she would say her family and her faith.  Her favorite hobby was cooking, especially baking. Her cakes, cookies, brownies, pies and dinner rolls were savored delicacies which she readily shared with family and friends.

Nannie was preceded in death by her husband Russell, son Ronnie and daughter Carolyn, sisters Janie, Ernestine, Virginia, and Julia, brother James (Hop) and special niece Shirley Johns. Those left to mourn her passing include son Keith Woodson, daughters Terry Woodson-Hernandez and Barbara Woodson, grandchildren Talena Harris Woodson, Damien Jones, Adrianna Woodson and DeMarcus Woodson; Great grandchildren Jayden Woodson, Jorden Woodson, Rashad Woodson and Jahaan; and great-great grandsons Koa Michael Woodson and Zephan Woodson. Nannie was also the foster mom to Larry Washington, Linda Randolph, Holly Hawthorne, Kimberly Stanton, Ryant Washington, Delwin Washington and Tracy Washington. Nannie and Russell's love and commitment to the Washington siblings helped enable them to stay as a family unit after the death of their mother, Amanda Washington. The bond between Nannie and the Washington family was powerful and enduring. Nannie is also survived by special nephews Bryan Johns (Tammy) and Andre Johns. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 20 at Ridgeway Baptist Church, Scottsville, VA. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors at Thacker Brothers Funeral Home in Scottsville on Thursday, February 19 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

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