Lelia Hembry Woods—a beloved sister, stepmother, aunt, friend, and devoted servant of Jehovah—passed away peacefully at her home in Louisa, Virginia, on June 1, 2025.

Lelia was born on December 8, 1943, in Washington, D.C., to the late Earl J. Hembry Sr. and Lucille Burruss Hembry of Louisa, Virginia. She spent most of her life in Detroit, Michigan, before returning to her childhood home in Louisa in 2015, where she resided until her passing.

A dedicated servant of Jehovah God, Lelia lived a life of faith, hope, and purpose. In her later years, she served as a full-time pioneer, faithfully ministering and worshipping at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. She was known for her unwavering devotion, stylish fashion and larger-than-life personality, which left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Lelia leaves to cherish her memory:
•   Her eldest sister, Bernice Hembry Thurston (Samuel)
•   Her brother, Vernon Hembry, Sr. (Mary)
•   A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends

Lelia will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.