WOODEN Audrey
Orderof
Acknowledgments....................................................................Gethsemane
ALifeWellLoved: Audrey“Cookie”Wooden
Audrey, lovingly known as “Cookie,” was called to her heavenly home on Friday, November 7, 2025. She was born on May 29, 1959, in Newport News, VA, to the late Johnny Rufus Hardy and Audrey Mae Hardy.
Cookie was born and raised in Newport News and proudly attended Warwick High School, graduating with the Class of 1977 a class she always believed was the very best. She dedicated 35 years of service to the Newport News Public School System, where she worked faithfully until her retirement in June 2023. Cookie spent several years in the school system as a cook before moving to the Plant Services Department, where she was a Painter. Her commitment, warmth, and kindness touched the lives of countless students and colleagues throughout her career.
Cookie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a devoted member of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Newport News, VA, where she was baptized. During her early years there, she joyfully served with the Decorating Club when the church was located on Chestnut Avenue. As time went on, she continued her service by becoming the Chair of her own Ministry of Helps.
Cookie had a genuine love for people and a heart that always reached outward. She helped anyone she could whether by offering physical assistance to those who needed care, sharing an encouraging or kind word, lifting others up in prayer, or simply being a compassionate listener for those who needed a safe place to unburden their hearts. Her presence brought comfort, hope, and warmth to all who knew her.
Cookie loved her family and friends deeply, and she embraced life with joy. She had a passion for traveling and especially loved going on cruises. She never met a stranger every ship became an opportunity to make new friends. You could often catch her laughing or chatting on the phone, and she would say, “Guess who I’m talking to?” When asked who, she would reply, “So-and-so from the ship,” with that familiar spark in her voice.
Above all, Cookie cherished her time with the Lord. Even on vacation, she would find a quiet place to read His Word and pray, ensuring her time with God was never interrupted. Her faith was her anchor, and spending time with Him was her greatest joy.
Cookie was predeceased by her father, Johnnie Rufus Hardy; her mother, Audrey Mae Hardy; and siblings Larry Brown, Millard Hardy Jr, Jimmy Hardy, Carlton and Marsha Hardy. She leaves to cherish her fondest memories to her children Kesha Rogers and Ebony Clanton (Jay); siblings, Valerie Harper (Richard) and Paul Brown; eight grandchildren, Keshawna Rogers, Michael Rogers Jr, Chyna Wooden, Dominique Wooden, Ariel Rogers, Jeremiah Clanton, Devon Handsome and Bryson Cofield, a host of dedicated nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
A Whisper From Heaven to KeShawna, JJ, Nek, Chyna, MJ, Ariel,
My sweethearts, listen gently for heaven has its own soft song, and when your hearts lean toward the quiet, you’ll hear me singing along.
KeShawna, my first bright sunrise, your strength is where I rest I wrap my love around your courage, the way a dawn wraps ’round the crest.
JJ, my steady heartbeat, so loyal, deep, and true when the world feels loud or heavy, I’ll be the calm that carries you.
Nek, my dreamer with the tender soul, your light dances like a flame in every spark of inspiration, I whisper proudly your name.
Chyna, my fierce and fearless star, you rise no matter the night I’ll guide your steps from heaven with a quiet, steady light.
MJ, my joyful laughter, the smile I always knew when life asks you to be brave, I’ll stand right next to you.
Syncere, and Bryson
Ariel, my gentle blossom, soft spirit, wise and kind in every breeze that brushes past, you’ll feel my hand in yours entwined.
Syncere, my thoughtful soul, so full of truth and grace I linger in your steady heart, a soft light in your sacred space.
Bryson, my little spark, all wonder, hope, and cheer in every giggle, every leap, I’m smiling right beside you, dear.
And when the days turn tender, when memories start to bloom, know I’m never far, my darlings love cannot leave a room.
I’m the hush beneath your prayers, the glow around your dreams, the warmth inside your victories, the light between the seams.
So walk with grace, my treasures, and lift your eyes above for heaven lets me watch you, wrapped in eternal love.
Until the day God brings us close and joy is all we know I’ll love you from the highest skies and shine through all you grow.
ForMySisterVale
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Wow! | never thought I would have to write this letter so soon Who knew that the next time I will see you would be at your funeral. I wish I would've called you and checked on you more. I was mad this happened but now I have to accept that you are in a better place and that you are with your mama Now I say see you again one day, not goodbye -Jeremiah
I honestly never saw this day coming. It never once crossed my mind to imagine a life without you. I would take a million more moments of you asking me to search up a word, asking me to send you an Amazon link for something you wanted, and even the calls where you would start planning out my whole life. I would choose any one of those calls over hearing the news that you were going home to Jesus. There will be moments when I break down thinking about you and all the future achievements you will not be here to witness.
But I also know that you will have the best seat in heaven, watching everything unfold. Every dream we talked about, every step I take, you will see it from a place full of light and peace.
You were comfort and wisdom. You were love in its purest form. Losing you feels impossible, but loving you will always be the easiest thing in the world. Thank you for every prayer you spoke over me, and every moment you believed in me more than I believed in myself.
I will miss you in ways I cannot fully speak, but I know you are resting in the most beautiful place. This is not goodbye. This is me holding you in my heart until we meet again.
Grandma, as I sit and think about you, I keep wishing we had more time. More time to talk, more time to understand each other, and more time to grow closer in ways I now realize I would have appreciated. I want to honor everything you were and everything you quietly did for our family. You were the steady glue that held everyone together, the person working behind the scenes, helping, supporting, and making sure things didn't fall apart You did so much without asking for recognition, and it's clear that everything you did came from a place of good intentions and love. I admire how strong and independent you are ,how you carried yourself, handled life's challenges, and stood firm in who you are
It was obvious, even in the way you moved through the world, that you were one of God's children, guided by faith I hope you're resting peacefully now, surrounded by the love and light of the Lord you faithfully served. Thank you for the role you played in our lives.
Rest peacefully, my Cookie Heaven just gained a little more sweetness and a whole lot more personality.
Grandma you will be deeply missed, not just for everything you did, but for the way you made life feel warmer and safer just by being here You gave so much love, support, and guidance, and I'll always be grateful for the lessons you taught and the strength you carried with you. Your kindness, your stories, and your presence shaped me in ways I'll never forget I'll always appreciate you, and I'll carry your memory with me wherever I go -MJ
I know you're in the sky now with my grandpa Cofield I told them I would give you my message when I got in the sky too, but they said I wasn't going any time soon They said if I told you while I was down here that you could hear me up there So grandma I just want you to know that I miss you, and I miss you putting me on the bus
Bryson
“ ur memories of you will forever bring us comfort.”
Whew Grandma, Grandma, Grandma
There are so many moments when the day goes by and I have to stop and remind myself that this is real life, a life where you are far, no longer close, no longer just a phone call away
There's a heartbreak that comes with your absence that I'm still learning how to carry You were such a sweet, loving soul, the kind of soul no one could ever forget You made it your mission to bring joy to the people around you, no matter what you were going through. You made it your purpose to make sure everyone you loved was taken care of, supported, and uplifted Your love, your warmth, your spirit it filled an entire room the moment you walked in I want to say thank you, thank you for everything you poured into me and everything you placed upon my heart. Thank you for setting me up for success, for believing in me, and for instilling in me the drive and motivation to keep going, even when life gets heavy
Grandma, your impact is still here Your love is still here And though I miss you more than words can ever capture, I carry you with me every single day.
-Nek
Nek
Grandma Cookie you were always inspirational and motivational. You always motivated me to keep pushing even when days were hard and inspired me to get closer to God. You may have been my great aunt but you always felt like a grandmother to me. I miss the days when I would go to Kesha's house when I got off the bus and you would make me eggs or noodles. I will miss your presence and how strong you were as a person. Rest easily grandma Cookie I'll forever cherish you
-Devon (Syncere)
I can hardly believe this moment is real. It feels as if I’m moving through a dream I can’t wake up from, one of those dreams where your heart keeps insisting that things will somehow return to the way they were. Now I truly understand what people mean when they say it feels like a piece of them is missing. I still don’t want to accept that you’re no longer here with us, Grandma, yet here I stand, trying to make sense of a world without your presence.
You carried a spirit that was both gentle and powerful, a warmth that wrapped itself around everyone you loved I’m forever grateful that I had the blessing of growing up surrounded by your steady, unconditional love. You were there for me in every way, whether I needed something small, someone to listen, or simply the reassurance that I wasn’t alone. You took care of me when Mommy wasn’t home. You were my safe place when I felt low, my voice of reason when I needed direction, and my support when I needed to get into school or find a job. You showed up for me every single time
I’m going to miss everything about you: our long conversations, the soothing sound of your voice echoing through the house and even hearing your phone calls drifting into my room. I’ll miss baking you pound cakes and watching you smile as you told me they tasted just like Grandma Hardy’s. Your presence was a source of comfort I depended on more than I realized.
Losing you hurts in a way I wasn’t prepared for, but the love you poured into me will stay with me for the rest of my life Thank you for every prayer you lifted on my behalf, every piece of wisdom you shared, and for planting the love of Jesus in my heart. And thank you for giving me your middle name, it’s a piece of you I will carry forever.
I love you so much, and I will miss you deeply.
-KeShawna Rogers-
Cookie
Cookiecouldhavewrittenyourwholelifeplanrightthereatthekitchentableandhonestly,itprobablywould’vebeenbetterthan whateveryouhadgoingon.
Shewasthebackboneofourfamily, thesteadyhandsthatkepteverythingfromfallingapart
Herindependencewassomethingtoadmire, thewayshemovedthroughlifeonherownterms, strong,steady,andsureofherself Andanyonewhoknewhe couldseeGod’slightalso thekindoffaiththatdidn becauseitlivednaturally
Hergrayhairwasbeautif thatmadeyoulaughbefo
Shepasseddownherhum serious”
Andshetaughtustostan gettoobusytogiveit
Andthat’smyCookie,the Love,Ariel
A Note From Your Aunt
My sweet ones, listen close— though I am not beside you in body, my love wraps around you always. Be bold in your dreams, kind in your choices, and gentle with your hearts. When challenges come, remember the strength inside you, the same strength I always saw and loved. Laugh often, cherish each moment, and lean on one another— for family is the home where love never fades.
I am your quiet cheer, your unseen hug, your guiding light when days feel dark.
Carry me in your smiles, your courage, your joy— and know, my dears, I am so proud of you, always.
SistersChosenbytheHeart ForNell,Peggy,ShirleyAnn,andFran
Youweremysistersinspirit— abondGodHimselfdesigned. Throughlaughter,tears,andeveryseason, youstoodfaithfullybymyside. Nell,yourgentlewisdomsteadiedme. Peggy,yourkindnessliftedmydays. ShirleyAnn,yourloyaltywasashelter. Fran,yourjoyliteveryroom.
Ourswasasisterhoodnotbornofblood, butwovenwithlove,strength,andgrace. Andthoughmyjourneyhascarriedme home, thebondweshared willneverfade itlivesforeverinyourhearts.
Pallbearers
Michael Rogers Jr; Jeremiah Clanton; Millard Hardy Jr; Marcus Hardy; Bryant Overby; Richard Harper Jr, Naim King and Mark Clanton
ral Bearers amily and Friends
Acknowledgments
The family of Audrey “Cookie” Wooden extends our deepest gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shared with us during this time of loss. Your kindness has been a reflection of God’s grace, and your comforting words and presence have reminded us of His promise to be near to the brokenhearted. Every prayer, every call, every act of compassion has strengthened us and helped carry us through these tender days. We thank God for each of you and for the way His light has shone through your love. May the Lord richly bless you for standing with us, lifting us up, and surrounding our family with His peace.
With heartfelt appreciation and faith, The Family
Special Thank You
Kesha and Ebony would like to give a special thank you to all their bonus aunties Nell, Peggy, Shirley Ann, and Fran for the love, laughter, and unwavering friendship you have shown to them and to their mom over the years. Your presence has been a constant blessing, and your care has carried us through more moments than we can count.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. LaShaunda Kay and Reese Family Services for the compassion, dignity, and support you offered our mom, and for the continued love you show to our family. Thank you for never hesitating to show up in whatever capacity we needed, and for your steadfast reassurance that “whatever you need, we got you.” Your kindness has been a true gift to us. We also thank our Dad and Bonus Mom for their love and unwavering support from the very moment we called with the unexpected news. Your prayers have been a covering over us, and your steadfast love has been a reflection of God’s grace in our time of need. In these difficult days, you have stood beside us with a strength and tenderness that only the Lord can give, and it has meant more to us than words can express. We thank God for you and for the comfort you continue to pour into our hearts.