Annie Sledge Woodard

Smithfield – Annie Sledge Woodard, age 94, passed away into eternity to be with the Lord on Monday March 2, 2026. She was born on April 7, 1931, in the Holly Grove community near Bunn, NC. She was the daughter of Paul and Annie Wood Sledge. In addition to her father and mother, she is also preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Teresa W. Carter; cherished grandson, Garrett Watson Woodard, son of Paul and Susan Woodard; brothers, Clarence Sledge and wife Helen, Cleveland Sledge and wife Rachel, Paul Sledge Jr. and nephew, Mike Sledge.

The family will receive visitors at Parrish Funeral Home on Saturday March 7, 2026 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. A funeral service will be held in chapel on Saturday at 2:30 PM. Burial will follow the service in Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield.

Annie worked with the NC Department of Revenue and later the Department of Motor Vehicles before becoming a devoted full-time mother and homemaker. She had a special love for African violets and orchids which she grew in her greenhouse. She often took beautiful specimens to display in her Centenary Methodist Sunday School class and in the church. She was an active member of the Triangle Orchid Society and the Keep Johnston County Beautiful Inc. Annie was an excellent cook and her meals were enjoyed by all.

Annie was dedicated to her Christian faith and was an active in the Methodist Women, Smithfield Area Ministries Food Closet, Meals on Wheels and visitation of the sick and shut-ins.

She is survived by her loving husband of 75 years, Bruce Woodard of Smithfield; sons, Don Woodard (Denise) of Garner and Paul Woodard (Susan) of Selma; son-in-law, Wilson Carter of Raleigh; sisters-in-law, Elsie Sledge of Spring Hope, Ellen Woodard of Pinehurst, Sandra Woodard of Sanford; grandchildren, Matthew Woodard (Daphne), Aaron Woodard (Christina), Jonathan Woodard (Nicole), Stuart Woodard (Kinsey), Christopher Carter (Nicole), Catherine Downey (Tim) and Marilee Woodard; great grandchildren, Ainsley Woodard, Rosalie Woodard, Owen Woodard and Carter Downey; numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Annie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who was loved by all of her family. Memories of times spent with her will be cherished always.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 140 West Market St. Smithfield, NC 27577.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at Parrishfh.com