Adena F. Woodard

Born April 8, 1934, in Abingdon, VA, she was the daughter of Clarence and Bessie Goodson Foran.

Adena was a lifelong learner. She graduated from Wallace High School in 1952, the National School of Dress Design in 1968, Jamestown Community College in 1974, Empire State College in 1978. She went on to earn a master’s degree from University at Buffalo in 1980. Her love of education also took her to Oxford University in England and Clarion University of Pennsylvania for additional studies. In 1993, she was selected as one of the recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Librarianship. Her library research class was well regarded by students and faculty alike.

Before retiring, Adena served Jamestown Community College as an Associate Professor and as a librarian at the Hultquist Library Learning Center. After retirement, she continued her service to the community as an ombudsman for The Office of the Aging.

A devoted member of Christ First United Methodist Church, she volunteered in the food cupboard and organized the church library. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority of Distinguished Women Educators and a lifelong member of Beta Sigman Phi Sorority.

Adena’s talents and capabilities surpassed most people. She crafted endless gifts of love, knitting and sewing.

Adena generously dedicated her time to serving others and volunteered for many years at the St. Susan Center. She also loved to travel and visited more than 14 countries throughout her life.

Thank you to the compassionate staff at The Pine in Olean, Cattaraugus County.

She is survived by two daughters, Sharon (David) Wordelmann of Lakewood and Nancy (Bernard) Anderson of Jamestown; eight grandchildren: Melissa (Mathieu) Johnson, Rebecca Slagle, Heather (Daniel) Greco, Elizabeth Wordelmann, Leslie (Adam) Hoisington, Garrett (Debbie) Brown, Karla (Ricky) Gonzalez and Kristen (Jesse) Milne; and 17 great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Judith Brown and siblings, Carl, Lonnie, Jerry, and Larry Foran and Thelma Rhymer and Carolyn Sullivan.

The memorial service for Adena will be at 1 pm on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Christ First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation for one hour prior to the service at church from 12 to 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ First United Methodist Church, 663 Lakeview Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701.

You may leave words of condolence at lindfuneralhome.com.