Chester B. Woodard's Obituary
On Friday, February 14, 2025, Chester B. Woodard Jr. passed away. Chester was born on January 18, 1941, in Washington, D.C., to Catherine Ward and Chester B. Woodard. He received his education in Washington, D.C., and attended Spingarn High School, where he played varsity tackle football and graduated in 1960. While at Spingarn, he met Doborah Robinson, whom he married on March 10, 1962. From that union came four children: Thomas, Jon, Chester III, and Deborah (Robbin). Later, Chester was blessed with two more children: Christopher (Edith) and Christyl (Wanda). He shared a 31-year partnership with Janice Mack and was a father figure to Janice’s son, Brian Lenori.
Chester’s first love was music, especially the guitar. At 14, his grandmother, Cherrie Ward, gifted him his first guitar, and he taught himself how to play. In high school, he sang with a group called the Nobles. Over the years, his talent led him to play lead guitar professionally with Wilson Pickett, the Isley Brothers, the Charlie Hampton Band at the Howard Theater, and Ray Johnson and the Esquires. Chester’s love of the guitar inspired a lot of people. In addition to his musical career, Chester worked at the Post Office, as a cab driver, with the DC government, and at Forest Haven in Laurel, MD, where he retired in 1994.
Chester was preceded in death by his parents, his grandmother Cherrie, his wife Deborah, and his brother Gary. He is survived by his children: Thomas, Jon, Chester III, Deborah (Robbin), Chistopher, Christyl, and Brian; his partner Janice Mack; three daughters- in-law; grandchildren: Aaron, Thomas, Shanae, Alexander, Shaquita, Travis, Anjelica, Jovonne, Joseph Jr., and Jada; five great-grandchildren; Elizabeth, Isabel, Paul, Journee, and Anahlia; his brothers; Leroi, Ronald, Johnny, Jimmie Batts, and Chester (Jimmy) Dawes; his sisters: Genevieve Dawes, Ann Beamon, Kendral, and Danyelle; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Rest in peace, Dad. May your memory be cherished forever.
Visitation
Saturday, March 1, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Wiseman Funeral Home
4591 Allentown Road
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Funeral Service
Saturday, March 1, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Wiseman Funeral Home
4591 Allentown Road
Camp Springs, MD 20746
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