Bishop James Harold Woods

Reverend James Harold Woods, 85, of Pembroke, was called home by our Lord and Savior on March 17, 2021. Born July 27, 1935 in Robeson County, he was the son of Curtis and Mary Brewer Woods. He was married to Rosa Dial Woods for 54 years. As a servant of God and his community, he was a teacher, a minister, and advocate for his tribe. James graduated from Pembroke State University in 1960 and was one of the first Native Americans to attend graduate school at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He received a Master of Divinity degree in 1963. He served as the head of the Science Department at Magnolia High School for three years and also as a School/Home Coordinator. It will be while working at Magnolia that he would meet his wife, Rosa. In 1963 he became a part-time minster at Cherokee Chapel Holiness Methodist Church, becoming full-time in 1969 until 1974. He continued his ministry at New Bethel Church (1974-77), Hopewell Holiness Methodist Church (1977-85), and then returned to New Bethel Church (1985- 2001). He served as Bishop for the Lumber River Holiness Methodist Conference for several years, first from 1982-85 and again from 1988-1996. Rev. Woods served his community in many ways, including his ministry with the Prisoners’ Friend Society and as Chairman and Board Member of the Lumbee Regional Development Association. He also served as a board member for the Robeson County Church and Community Center. He also played a role in the multi-racial coalition to break double voting for the Robeson County School Board. Rev. Woods was predeceased by parents Curtis and Mary Woods; brothers, Joseph Wynn, Dorlester Wynn Jr. and Steve Locklear; sisters, Mary Sue Locklear, Curtisy Lou McGirt, and Elizabeth Wynn. He is survived by his wife, Rosa Woods; children, Jean Kolbeck, Joan Goedel, and J. Cedric Woods; 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; brothers Murphy Woods, Noah Woods, Sam Wynn, Hardy Wynn and sisters, Effie Locklear, Tammy Wynn, Mildred Maynor, Evelyn Morgan, Alice Hunt, Rebecca Oxendine and Margaret Hiraldo. There will be a public viewing at Cherokee Chapel Holiness Methodist Church on Sunday, March 21st from 1 to 2 pm, Due to Covid-19 concerns, the funeral service will be a private family service from 2 to 3 pm, followed by the committal at Cherokee Chapel Cemetery. Funeral services will be on speakers for those who choose to listen in the parking lot.

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