Sweet Goodbye

On Saturday, August 8, 2020, the sweet spirit of Sister Mary Magdalean Woods Young, went to join the Savior in that home not built with hands, but whose maker and builder is God. Sister Mary Magdalean Woods Young was born March 1, 1929 to the late Malinda Woods Russell in Monroe Louisiana, as she was lovingly called, confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Jerusalem Baptist Church by the late Reverend John Housley. Upon moving to West Monroe, Louisiana she united with the New Daughters of Zion Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend Robert Stevens. She was a devout and dutiful member who remained faithful until death. She worked diligently in her church as a Sunday School Teacher for over 30 years, Choir Member, Youth Director, Sunday School Assistant Superintendent, Sunday School Superintendent, Church Financial Secretary, Vacation Bible School Director, Program Committee, Hospitality Committee, Mission Ministry and Mother Ministry where she served as President. The youth will always remember her as the director of the cherub choir. Sister Young became a member of Look to the East Order of Eastern Star #87 of Calhoun, Louisiana on March 11, 1995 and served as Star Point Electa and secretary. Mag recognized early in life the importance of an education. Her elementary education began at Britton Rosenwall School in Calhoun, Louisiana. Her secondary education began at Tim Tippet in West Monroe, Louisiana and she received her high school diploma from Monroe Colored High School on May 30, 1946. She furthered her studies at Grambling College where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education on May 29, 1950. Being the shrewd student that she was, after 25 years she returned back to Grambling State University where she received a Master of Science Degree in Guidance Counseling on July 29, 1977. Mag's teaching career led her to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After teaching out of state for 10 years she returned home and was gainfully employed by the Ouachita Parish School System. She taught at Boley and Claiborne Elementary Schools. She was one of two first black teachers to integrate Claiborne Elementary. She retired in May 1986 after 33 ½ years of service. Mrs. Young touched many lives during her teaching career. She was a dynamic warrior in many aspects of life. After retirement she was recruited by the late Deacon Ted Richards, Sr. to become a member of the Twin City Community Welfare Board. She worked diligently with this organization until her health failed. In paving it forward she recruited the late Mrs. Carrie Taylor to replace her on the board. She loved traveling, cooking family holiday dinners, attending Grambling State University football games, especially homecomings, the Annual Bayou Classic and attending church functions. On August 25, 1960 she married the late Milton Young. To this union three children were born. She is preceded in death by her husband of 27 years Milton Young; mother, Malinda Woods Russell; father, Robert "Duke" Russell; sister, Dolores Rae Russell; nephew, Glenn Russell; stepson, Andre Sanford, granddaughter, Melinda Young and great nephew Mathius Russell. She leaves to cherish and celebrate her memory, two loving daughters: Rhonda Woods Harris, Renton, Washington and Miranda Young, West Monroe, Louisiana, one son: Michael Young Dallas, Texas: daughter-in-law Susan Harris Young, Dallas, Texas; one sister, Shirley Russell, Monroe, LA; three brothers: Franklin Russell and Rodney Russell, Seattle, WA; Robert Edward Russell, West Monroe, LA, one sister-in-law Lelia Gilkey, Mt. House, CA; three grandchildren: Karinda Harris, Kent WA; Marlon and Maurice Young, Dallas, TX; five step grandchildren; one stepson: Randall Moon, Boston, Massachusetts; Godsons: Shelton Spivey, Jr., Thomas Newton and Corburt Chisley; one Goddaughter: Linda Person Young; Special Friends: Frank Myles, Mackie Freeze, Cordelia Pope Sims, Bessie Mae Anderson Thedford , Beverly Barnes Williams, Shirley Turner Jackson, and Patsy Jackson O'Neal. Special first cousin, Jessie Mae Woods Bell, Las Vegas, NV: and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends. Funeral services for Mary Magdalean Woods Young were held Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Miller Funeral Home in Monroe. She was buried in Calhoun, LA next to her husband.