02/25/2026
Jonice Diane Woods passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, January 31, 2026. She would have celebrated her 74th birthday on February 11. Her passing marks the loss of a woman whose presence anchored families, shaped generations, and made countless people feel seen, protected, and deeply loved.
Jonice was many things—mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend—but titles alone never captured her role. She was a second mother to many, a steady voice of truth, and the glue that quietly held people together when life became heavy.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Mae Bowens (Greene); her father, Richard F. Bowens Sr.; her sister, Carla D. Cobb (husband, Michael); her brother, Richard Bowens Jr. (wife, Donna); and her nephew, Cortez Stewart.
She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Dwight Woods Jr., and her beloved granddaughter, Jade Ann Woods. She is also survived by her siblings, Rachel M. Jackson-Bowens, Sheila Bowens, and Pat Bowens (wife, Paula).
Jonice leaves behind her nieces and nephews: Kimberly Jackson; Richard Bowens III (wife, Kimanita); Brittany Bowens; Brandon Bowens (wife, Sarah); Zipporah Akers; and Shandra McPherson (special niece).
She is further survived by her great-nephews and great-nieces: Joshua Akers, Isaac Akers, Jacob Jackson (special grandson), Jyaire Bowens, Jameir Bowens, Rory Bowens, Julian Lombard, Jaden Lombard, and Shayla Lombard.
She also leaves her goddaughters, Brittany Belcher, Krystal Belcher, and Ellen McGee, along with a host of extended family members, lifelong friends, and countless individuals who knew her not by blood, but by love—as a second mother, advocate, and safe place.
Jonice shared a meaningful and enduring bond with her former husband, Dwight Woods Sr. Though their marriage ended, their friendship did not. She also maintained a close and loving relationship with her former mother-in-law, Mary Ruth Collier, whom she deeply loved. Living in California, Jonice made it a priority to visit Mary Ruth every time she returned to Illinois.
She worked for many years in administrative and human resources roles. She began her career at Southern Illinois University in the School of Business, later worked in the Human Resources Office at American Express, and completed her career at Union Electric (Ameren), where she remained until retirement.
Jonice attended Lincoln School in Edwardsville, Illinois, for grades one through six and later graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1970, where she distinguished herself early as a gifted athlete. In her youth, she excelled in track and softball. She competed in track meets where she ran against Wilma Rudolph, reflecting both the era and the level of competition she reached. Under the guidance of Mr. Dubie Lowry, she and her sisters played softball throughout the community, where Jonice was known for her speed on the bases and her confident slides.
When you talked with Jonice, she always had a story to tell or something funny to share. She was the life of the room, making people feel welcome and remembered. Conversations with her lingered. Laughter followed her.
Children and young people were naturally drawn to her. Like a pied piper, she welcomed them and became an advocate and support no matter who they were or where they came from. She believed in standing up for others and did so consistently.
Jonice was a “tell it like it is” woman. She spoke directly and honestly, but always from a place of care. She valued fairness and truth, and people trusted her because of it. Because of her steady presence, she was affectionately known as “Chief” and “Madea.”
An accomplished seamstress, Jonice had an eye for detail and a practical skill many relied on. More than a few will admit, with a smile, that they may struggle to decide what to wear now that she is gone. She was also an exceptional cook, known for feeding people well and bringing others together around the table.
In recent years, Jonice enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises with family. Those trips reflected what mattered most to her—time together and shared experiences.
Above all, Jonice was a woman of faith, truth, and fairness. She lived those values consistently and quietly.
Jonice Diane Woods leaves behind a legacy of love, honesty, humor, and presence. Her influence will continue through the generations she guided and supported, and through the many lives made better by knowing her.
Visitation Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Joy Baptist Church 327 Olive Street Edwardsville, Illinois 62025. Online guest book can be found at www.cathymwilliamsandsons.com
