Karen Gwen Williams-Woods

Karen was born January 10, 1963 at Andrews AFB, to Richard Odel Williams and Eileen Petty Williams. She was a product of DC Public Schools and Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland. She graduated from Oxon Hill High School in 1981, where she was an honors student and cheerleader. While attending Oxon Hill High School she met Jeff, the love of her life, her eventual husband and the father of her children. They had a beautiful marriage lasting nearly 33 years. She went on to earn her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology and minored in Mathematics at Salisbury State University in Salisbury, Maryland graduating in 1985. She went on to have a career in the Federal Government at the US Census Bureau in Suitland, MD for 34 1/2 years; retiring in December of 2019. Karen found fulfillment in her work and made many life-long friends while working at the Census Bureau. Karen was a loving mother, wife, and a devoted and faithful believer of Christ. Karen accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior as a teen while attending Maple Springs Baptist Church in District Heights, MD. She attended and was a member of the National Church of God in Fort Washington, MD for over 25 years. Karen was an Ordained Deacon, member of the Lady’s Council, a member of the Alter Ministry Team, and Vice President of Women In Prayer INC. Karen was a long time member of the Youth Team at church. She enjoyed ministering to the church’s youth in many capacities. She really found joy in going with the youth on overnight trips as a chaperone. She dedicated herself to the ministries of God at various times and places through her life. She touched and continues to touch many lives bringing glory to God even through her passing. Karen enjoyed God in every aspect. She took inspiration from her mom, but her father was the first true love of her life. She was a church girl and eventually one of the mother’s of the church. Karen really enjoyed talking with and spending time with her dearest friends, shopping, and watching old westerns. She enjoyed travel and more specifically taking cruises. She traveled to over 20 countries over the years. Karen liked to dance, spending time with family, and teasing her family. She was funny, a true intercessor, and she loved deep. She had a hard time understanding why other people could not return love at her level. Simply put, Karen was rare and the depths to which she loved was not of this Earth. This may be the reason why God found it so fit to take her early. She transitioned to heaven after fighting an illness for two long years, and died May 7, 2020 at her home in Oxon Hill, MD. She was 57 at the time of her death. She will be missed but will always be celebrated. Her life long lessons, spiritual examples, words of encouragement, prayers, and inspiration will be a legacy that will continue for generations. Survived By: Devoted Husband Jeffrey Woods; Children: Serina, Alexander, and Joel Woods, Mother Eileen Williams; and Sister Denise Williams-Gilchrist, her husband (Donald Gilchrist), and her mother-in-law, Marlene Smith. She also cherished her nephews: Gregory, Noble, Nigel, and a host of great-nephews and nieces. She loved all of her aunts and uncles, but had a special bond with her Aunt Ann (her godmother) and her Aunt Carolyn (aka Aunt Candy). She leaves behind many cousins, whom she loved, but she had a deep connection with her cousins Michael Williams and Teresa Walls. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Odel Williams, and her brother, DuVal Thorton. She loved her dear friends: Lisa, Vonda, Ollye, and Sheryl. COVID Instructions: During the viewing period only 10 people (in addition to immediate family) will be permitted inside the church at a time to pay their respects. The total amount of people permitted is pending state regulations. Everyone is required to wear face masks (mandated by state law) in order to be allowed entry. Service Times and Order: • Viewing between 9-10am • Service (Family Only) 10-11am • At 11am the service ends and only immediate family is permitted at the burial service. Visitors can visit after family has finished the burial service with less than 10 people at a time. Live streaming of the service will be available via Facebook and the church website at the below links: Church Website: https://ncglive.com/ Church Facebook Website: https://www.facebook.com/NationalChurch.ofGod.Ft.Washington.MD/?redirect=false Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no reception to follow. Family plans to have a future memorial service (pending clearance of COVID-19 restrictions). Details to follow.