Sister Earlene Evans Woods

Sister Earlene Evans Woods of Atlantic Beach has received her wings. Her earthly duties are finished and she has gone to be with the Lord.

Sister Earlene Evans Woods, daughter of the late Mr. Van and Mrs. Leola Moore, was born on February 20, 1930, in Horry County.

Earlene departed this earthly life on Monday, May 4, 2020, in the comfort of her home being cared for by her loving children.

She was educated in the Horry County Public Schools and graduated from Allen University in Columbia and Ryder University, Lawrence Township, New Jersey. In 1953 Earlene married the late Mr. Leonard Evans. To this union five children were born. The family relocated to Trenton, New Jersey, where they remained until returning to Horry County. After the passing of her late husband, Mr. Leonard Evans, she later married in 1989 the late Mr. Eugene Woods.

Earlene became an entrepreneur, becoming the successor of many businesses in the town of Atlantic Beach, to include: Evans Motel, Evans Coliseum, Nylon Motel, Playboy Lounge & Motel, Evans Restaurant, Black Magic Lounge, Woods Apartments, Woods Laundry and Woods Villas.

Sister Woods accepted Christ and joined her family church, Poplar African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she became a devoted servant for the Lord, serving in many capacities of ministries. She served as president of the following auxiliaries: Senior Choir, Lay Organization, Steward Board, Women’s Missionary Society and Young People Department. Other auxiliaries include: Sunday School as youth teacher, Junior Usher Board, Junior Choir, Trustee, Class Leader, Stewardess, Church Secretary, Pastor’s Aide Committee, The Building Fund-Raising Committee, Organizer of the 40 Men March, Organizer of the Transportation Committee, Prayer Band and Mother of the church.

Sister Woods’ pastime included memberships in The International Free and Accepted Modern Masons Inc., The Order of the Eastern Star Chapter New Hope #079 (Past Worthy Matron and Past District Grand Matron), The Royal Court of King Solomon, Queen of The South and The Golden Eagles.

In addition to working and devoting her time to make a difference throughout communities, she served as a S.C. Notary Public, served on The Horry County Board of Appeals, The Council on Aging Board, Chairperson of Waccamaw EOC, Member of Commission and Welfare, Director of Community Volunteer Service, Coordinator of The Friendship  House Job Service Program of Myrtle Beach and the first secretary of the Town of Atlantic Beach. She proudly served as Councilwoman on the Atlantic Beach Town Council for four terms, the Board of Commissioners of The Atlantic Beach Public Housing Authority and the Horry County Board of Registration.

Preceding her in death were two brothers, Jenerette and Charlie Moore.

She leaves to cherish precious memories to her children (who possess like leadership and entrepreneurship): Three sons, Councilman Lenearl Evans, – Town of Atlantic Beach; Leon (Darlene) Evans, former member of the Atlantic Beach Police Department; Honorable Mayor Jake Evans, Town of Atlantic Beach; and two daughters, Irene (William) Armstrong, former mayor of the Town of Atlantic Beach; and Jane Evans, former Councilwoman of the Town of Atlantic Beach; a sister, Gwen Bryant; and a brother, Laverne Moore; and a host of other brothers, sisters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and other sorrowing relatives and friends who likewise share her memory.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic a traditional service will not be held.

A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Mt. Zion AME Church Cemetery in Little River.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations in the form of a check or money order payable to: The Earlene Evans Woods Youth Foundation may be sent to P.O. Box 397, North Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29582.

Shields Funeral Home of Little River served the family.