Inez Gladys Woolfolk, beloved matriarch and devoted woman of faith, was born March 13, 1938, in Caroline County, Virginia, the fourth and youngest child of the late Willie and Mammie Parker. On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, surrounded by the deep and abiding love of her family, she peacefully transitioned from her earthly home into eternal rest.

At the tender age of thirteen, Inez confessed her faith in Jesus Christ, was baptized, and united with the fellowship of believers at Third Mount Zion Baptist Church in Woodford, Virginia. From that day forward, her faith became the foundation of her life. She walked humbly with God, guided by prayer, compassion, and a steadfast belief in doing what was right. Inez remained a faithful and dedicated servant throughout her life, actively serving her church in many capacities. She was a proud and committed member of the Usher Board and the Missionary Ministry, faithfully greeting others with warmth and ensuring that the house of the Lord remained a place of welcome, order, and love. Her presence at church was constant and dependable, and her quiet acts of service spoke volumes about the depth of her devotion to God.

Her faith was not confined to the church walls; it flowed naturally into every part of her daily life and into the community she loved so dearly. Inez was affectionately known by many as the "grandmother of the community," a title she carried with humility and grace. Her home was a place where people felt safe, welcomed, and cared for.

Children from the neighborhood often found comfort in her presence, knowing she would offer a listening ear, wise advice, and sometimes a gentle correction when needed. She nurtured many young lives as if they were her own, encouraging them to attend church, stay on the right path, and believe in themselves. To countless people, she became not just a neighbor but a guiding light—someone whose kindness, wisdom, and loving spirit left a lasting impression.

Inez was educated in the Caroline County Public School System, where she developed the strong work ethic that would carry her through life. In her young adult years, she worked as a housekeeper for Days Inn, taking pride in every task she was given. Later, she became an Avon Representative, a role she truly enjoyed because it allowed her to travel throughout the community and build meaningful relationships with so many people. Through her work, she was able to connect with friends old and new, sharing laughter, conversation, and genuine care wherever she went. To Inez, people were never strangers for long; they quickly became friends and extended family.

She found great joy in life's simple pleasures—moments that brought warmth and laughter into her home. Inez loved baking delicious cakes for her family, filling the house with sweet aromas and the anticipation of gathering around the table. She enjoyed creating beautiful ceramics, taking pride in crafting something special with her hands. She was known for checking on loved ones, sharing stories, and making sure everyone was doing well.

She also enjoyed watching her favorite television "stories," often commenting on every twist and turn as if the characters were part of her extended family.

Yet above all the things she enjoyed in life, nothing brought her greater happiness than her family. Family was the center of her world and the heartbeat of her life. As the matriarch of the Woolfolk family, Inez was the steady foundation upon which generations stood. She loved deeply, prayed fervently, and supported her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with a strength that never wavered. Her home was a gathering place where laughter was shared, advice was given, and love was always present. She celebrated every accomplishment, offered comfort during difficult times, and reminded her family that they could always come home. Her love was unconditional, and her prayers for her family were constant.

Inez was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Alfred Woolfolk, with whom she shared many years of love and partnership. She was also preceded in death by her loving daughter, Barbara Annette Simms; her cherished son, Arnold Dezzell Woolfolk; her beloved grandsons, Miquel Dequan Jenkins and Johan Woolfolk; and her siblings, Aubrey Parker, William "Bill" Parker, and Elizabeth Parker. Though their passing brought her deep sorrow, she carried their memories close to her heart and continued to honor them through the love she showed the family that remained.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in the incredible legacy she leaves behind. Inez leaves a powerful legacy of faith, strength, compassion, and unconditional love. Her life was a beautiful example of what it means to care for others, to remain faithful through every season, and to place family above all else. The seeds of love she planted will continue to grow for generations to come.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her devoted children: James Leon Woolfolk (Mary Ellen) of Ruther Glen, Virginia; Sheila Woolfolk-Leonard of Spotsylvania, Virginia; Clarissa Woolfolk-Hunter (Vanderbilt) of Ruther Glen, Virginia; Ronald Jay Woolfolk of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and Aubrey Anthony Woolfolk (Carolyn) of Ruther Glen, Virginia. Each of them carries forward the values, strength, and love their mother instilled in them throughout their lives.

She also leaves behind nineteen beloved grandchildren and thirty-three cherished great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special and irreplaceable place in her heart. To them, she was more than a grandmother—she was their protector, their encourager, their storyteller, and their greatest supporter. Through her hugs, her prayers, her guidance, and her unwavering belief in them, she helped shape the lives of generations.

She is also lovingly remembered by her brother-in-law, Andrew "Trigger" Woolfolk of Bowie, Maryland; her sister-in-law, Martina Woolfolk Jones (Gerald) of Millersville, Maryland; her sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Woolfolk of Ft. Washington, Maryland, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure the love, wisdom, and kindness she shared so freely.

To know Inez was to feel warmth, comfort, and genuine love. She had a spirit that made people feel welcome and valued, and her presence brought light into every room she entered. She was the heart of her family, a praying grandmother, a wise counselor, and a loyal friend. Her contagious laughter, gentle words, and nurturing spirit created bonds that will never be broken.

Her beautiful life will continue to shine through the many generations she leaves behind. Though she now rests peacefully in God's eternal care, the love she planted in so many hearts will never fade. Her memory will live on in every prayer whispered by her family, every story shared around the table, and every act of kindness carried forward in her name.

Visitation/Viewing Info :
Friday, March 20, 2026
5:00 – 7:00 PM
C.W. Edwards Funeral Home Chapel

Celebration of Life Service Info :
Saturday, March 21, 2026
11:00 AM Service Time with a One Hour Visitation Prior to Service (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
Third Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 9132 Fredericksburg Turnpike, Woodford, VA 22580

Service of Comfort Entrusted to: C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc., Bowling Green, VA 22427