Karen Lee Exley Woodard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Karen Lee Exley Woodard, who left us on September 24, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on July 11, 1956, in Gowanda, NY, Karen grew up in Texas before making her home in DeRidder, LA, where she embraced the culture and charm of South Louisiana.

Karen was not just a homemaker; she was the heart of her family. A loving wife to her husband, she devoted herself to raising their children. Known affectionately as Mom, Maw Maw, Granny and Aunt Karen, she touched the lives of everyone around her with her warmth, kindness, and gave the most amazing hugs.

Karen found her greatest joy in her faith, her church, and her family. She was often called "The Worship Leader," sharing her love for God and music even when faced with health challenges. She prayed faithfully until her last moments, always encouraging others to worship along with her.

Her culinary talents were legendary, especially her delicious gumbo, egg rolls, and the best snickerdoodle cookies in the world. If you were fortunate enough to gather around her table, you knew you were in for a feast, as Karen always cooked for a crowd. Her skills didn't stop at the kitchen; she also was an incredible seamstress, canner, nurse, and even dabbled as an English teacher, leaving a lasting impact on those she taught.

Karen had a special love for Hydrangeas and took pride in the beautiful gardenias that adorned her yard.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of forty-seven years, Steve Woodard, Sr. of DeRidder, LA; son, Steve L. Woodard, Jr. and Stacy of Rock Springs, WY; daughters, Carolyn Maddox and Billy of Longville, LA, Stacie Woodard and David Vines of Ragley, LA, Shanna Jones and Perry of Pipe Creek, TX; brothers, William Thomas Exley and Rhonda of Normangee, TX, Arthur Michael Exley of Jasper, TX, Gern David Exley and Deborah of Kingsport, TN; sister, Claire Elaine Exley of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Sarah Lynn Woodard, Natalee Marie Woodard, Brendan Webb, Laila Webb, Raigain Wilson, Lauren Lee and Jon, Stephanie Maddox, Lila Maddox, Quaid Woodard, Chandler Woodard, Katie Kyle, Kealeigh Myers, Shaylee Myers, Presley Myers, Brynlee Myers, Jonathan Jones; great grandchildren, "Bubba" Easton Rayne Meissner, Gemma Kyle, Rowan Grossi and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Reginald Chetwood and Ruth Alberta Vanstone Exley; siblings, Dale Vanstone Exley, Reginald Chetwood Exley, III, Robert Raymond Exley, Sharon Ruth Exley and Louise Nanette Exley.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at The Apostolic Remnant Church in DeRidder, LA, where friends and family are invited to come and share their memories. The funeral service will take place the following day, Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM, also at The Apostolic Remnant Church, followed by burial at Whitaker Cemetery in DeRidder, LA. Brother John Davis will officiate the service. Quaid Woodard will read the obituary. Pallbearers will be Jon Lee, Steve Woodard, Jr., Billy Maddox, Quaid Woodard, Chandler Woodard, David Vines. Honorary pallbearer will be Perry Jones.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of a remarkable woman who will be missed more than words can express.