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DENTON – The Caroline County Branch of the NAACP opened its annual Freedom Fund Luncheon on Saturday, November 15, with a tribute to the late Dr. Willie Woods, who passed away on November 5. Held at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Denton, the luncheon gathered community members, officials, and partner branches under the theme “Urgent! Moving Forward, People First.”
Dr. Woods served as president of the Caroline County NAACP from 2021 to 2024. She was deeply involved in numerous community and faith-based organizations, and is remembered widely as a powerful advocate for a more inclusive Caroline County.
The program booklet included a full-page portrait of Dr. Woods alongside verses from Proverbs 31:25–26: “Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And her tongue is the law of kindness.” The service began with an acknowledgment of her legacy delivered by Lewis, followed by a moment of silence and a candlelighting ceremony. During this acknowledgement, Lewis described Dr. Woods as “an educator, a fierce advocate for Equity and Inclusion…who offered consistent and outstanding leadership.” “I would not be here, I don’t think, if it weren’t for Dr. Woods,” she added. A touching rendition of “That Other Shore” by Alfreda Dennis-Bowyer followed.
The program continued with a balance of celebration and community recognition. Spoken word artist Sharnell “Sista Big” Tull delivered a powerful performance, and keynote speaker Rev. Erik Medlin of Bell’s Chapel AME Church in Denton offered his wisdom. Rev. Pearl Geter of Union Bethel AME Church provided both the invocation and the benediction.
Several honors were presented throughout the afternoon. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Minister Sandra (Sandi) Pitts, the Business Achievement Award recognized Bolden-Tilghman Mortuary Service, Trinity African American Methodist Episcopal Church in Ridgely was celebrated for its contributions as a faith-based organization, and Damon Nichols Jr., a ninth grader at North Caroline High School, received the Youth Achievement Award.
The event drew a notable regional presence. Representatives from the Dorchester, Wicomico, and Cecil County NAACP branches attended, continuing the tradition of each branch supporting its neighbors’ Freedom Fund events. County Commissioner Frank Bartz, Caroline County Sheriff Donnie Baker, and Preston Commission President Savannah Winston were also present.
Lewis noted that the Caroline County NAACP has been incorporated for 78 years, though the exact number of Freedom Fund Banquets held over that time isn’t known. She explained that these events are longstanding traditions within NAACP branches. “It’s always a good affair, nice time to get gussied up,” she said.
Planning for the luncheon begins in May or June, when a committee is formed to choose a theme, honorees, speakers, and venue and to arrange the many logistics that allow the event to run smoothly. For Lewis, the meaning of the event extends beyond an annual tradition. “As people of color, we like to have a space to gather,” she said. “Anyone is welcome to come, but I think we like to have a space to gather and honor those that we see on a regular basis.” She added that the luncheon also serves as a way to uplift local talent and business owners. “It’s all about giving folks their flowers and putting out there to others ‘Hey, use this caterer, use this engraver – that’s a community member.’”
Even in the wake of Dr. Woods’ passing, postponing the banquet was never an option, with Lewis saying, “I don’t think she would’ve wanted us to postpone it.” According to Lewis, Dr. Woods embodied the values of the NAACP: “Dr. Woods was literally the core essence of the mission and vision…I really studied her and just walked with her. It wasn’t as much what she said, it was her actions.”
