Pastor Emma Lee Woodyard

Emma Lee Woodyard was born on Wednesday, April 27, 1929, in York, Pennsylvania, to the late Kathleen (Hires) Thomas and the late Guy Robinson Sr., and was lovingly raised by the late Viola “Nanny” Washington. Emma was a graduate of William Penn Senior High School. During her senior year in 1947, she was awarded a full scholarship to Columbia University in New York to major in Journalism. In 1957, she enrolled at Thompson Business College in York, Pennsylvania, where she majored in Data Processing and earned her Certificate of Completion. Later, in 1980, she attended Harrisburg Area Community College, majoring in English and Computer Languages. In 1990, she earned Certificates of Completion in Bible Studies from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Emma was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for twenty-six years with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). In 1975, she and her husband, Elmer, began an arts and crafts business where they personally handmade detailed leather belts, wooden decoupage wall art, and sculptures in their shop on Walnut Street in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, before Strawberry Square was built. In 1976, Emma and her husband, Elmer, committed their lives to Christ, were baptized, and became members of Shiloh Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Carl Hines. Pastor Hines appointed Emma as the founder and editor of The Shiloh Light, the church’s monthly newsletter. In 1987, Emma responded to the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Two years later, in 1989, she and her husband joined Trinity Church of the Living God under the leadership of Bishop Ivy Ann Hopkins, where she was ordained as an Evangelist and later as a Reverend. During her service, she initiated a church library, was appointed President of the State Youth Congress in 1992 and again in 2005 and served on the Harrisburg District Ordination Board from 1998 to 2004. Guided by God’s direction and blessings, Emma responded to the call to become a pastor in 1990. She established and led The New Covenant Community Church of the Living God until 2005. During her leadership, the church expanded its ministry and outreach efforts. In 1992, they acquired their church building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and launched the Covenant Community Day Care Center and Food Pantry. They also started Woodyard’s Restaurant & Catering Business and offered space for numerous community groups and ministries, including the Harrisburg Urban League, Harrisburg Youth Reconstruction Group, and several local churches. Together with her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, and community members, she provided countless free meals and services to those in need, reflecting her compassionate and servant-hearted nature. Emma was a longtime member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Rev. Martin Odom. Throughout her life, she stayed a dedicated Servant of God, teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others in faith and love. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, at ninety-six years of age, Emma transitioned from this life into eternal rest, joining in eternal life her beloved husband, Elmer Carl Woodyard, Sr; sisters, Alice Chavis and Isabelle (Thomas) Ferguson; brother, Jake Fisher; and her sons, Michael Davis Woodyard, Jeffrey Charles Woodyard, and Stanley Woodyard. She leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Elmer Carl Woodyard, Jr, Larry Cornel Woodyard and Eric Woodyard; daughters, Terri Allen (Harold), Wendy Renee Brice (Ben), Karen Viola Williams (James), Stacy Woodyard (Brian) and Deidre McDonald (James); her son-in-law, Robin Woodyard; and her brothers, Donald Fisher and William Thomas (Paula); nineteen grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery, 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 12, at WFD.

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Pastor Emma Lee Woodyard

April 27, 1929 - October 25, 2025