Reverend Edith "Edie" Worthy Woolen's Obituary
Rev. Edith “Edie” Worthy Woolen, age 69 (sunrise March 2, 1953 sunset March 10, 2022) died
of natural causes after battling for 20 plus years with Multiple Sclerosis. She graduated from the
prestigious Cass Technical High School in Detroit, MI in 1971. She then went on to graduate
from the University of Detroit with a Masters of Child Psychology. She proudly worked/retired for
the City of Detroit as the Director of Youth and Recreations Department. She then received her
degree in Theology where she would accomplish her most fulfilling life’s work developing the
Hartford Social Justice Ministry at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, MI. Hartford was
her home church for more than 25 years. She served in the Hartford Dance Ministry where one
of her favorite bible verses was 2 Samuel 6:14 “And David danced before the Lord with all his
might.”
Loving mother, sister, aunt, godmother, grandmother, she dedicated her life to her family and
son. She was loved by many. She always offered a listening ear and shoulder to lean on. She
loved arts, theater, and music especially gospel music, which got her through many rough times.
She was a warrior of social justice going back to her days of protesting during the late 60s early
70s, while at Cass Tech high school. Defending the overlooked children of Detroit was her
mission and she loved her work, following in her father’s footsteps wanting justice for all. She
loved to minister and spread the word of God. She was writing several books detailing the many
life experiences she had growing up and throughout her career. Her legacy will live on in the
hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with as well as those she reached but never met.
Survived by her son Phillip Kendle (Stacy Dunnivant), granddaughter, Kiana Kendle-Kendrick,
Sisters Maxine Ashby (Al) and family, Nicola White and family, Benita McPherson and family,
Zaneta Banks and family. Brothers Daniel Worthy and Dwayne Worthy, along with a host of
nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Preceded in death by birth mother
Francina Thompson Worthy, parents James Daniel Worthy and Martha Dillahunt Worthy, uncle,
Lawrence Worthy, brother James Daniel Worthy Jr., and nephew Frederick A. Bray Jr.
A service is being planned and will be announced to this obituary once finalized. Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery has been entrusted with the final care of Rev. Edie. 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37216. (615) 865-1101. "Where Nashville Comes to Remember."
What’s your fondest memory of Edith?
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Share a story where Edith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edith you’ll never forget.
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