Eric Keith Woods

Homegoing Celebration in honor of the life and legacy of Apostle Eric K. Woods, Sr., a loving and devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and friend to all whose lives he touched. On Saturday, July 30, 2022, he peacefully transitioned into heavenly rest at his residence in Maryland at the age of 73. He was born May 23rd, 1949, in Washington D.C., the youngest son of 18 children of the late John and Jenny Mary Woods.

After graduating from Spingarn H.S. Washington D.C., Apostle Eric worked in the copier industry from apprentice to Senior Supervisor at Xerox before retiring in 2020. During his 30+ years in ministry, Apostle Eric became a student of the gospel at Bible Faith International Seminary, completing his Doctor of Theology Degree in September 2011.

In 1993, Apostle Eric was installed as Pastor and founder of the Church of the Redeemed Children of Jesus Christ, with his wife Pastor Diann Woods in Forestville, MD where they served together for over 30 years. Apostle Eric never forgot where he came from and believed in serving and being a positive influencer within Southeast Washington D.C. and central Maryland communities. Having a heart for men he became a mentor for the Christian Men's Fellowship of Waldorf, MD. In addition, to being the resident Pastor of Shamrock Assisted Living in Clinton, MD. He also held church services at Future Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Lanham, MD. In a heartfelt effort to address the needs of inner city families, Apostle Eric became the founder and President of Blessings on Wheels, LLC. a non-profit organization feeding and clothing homeless men, women, and children. Expanding his outreach to the homeless by partnering with S.O.M.E. (So, Others Might Eat), while always being present year-round during Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives making food and toy baskets side-by-side with both church and community supporters. Later he was recognized and asked to lead inspirational moments on internet radio talk shows.

In 2001, Pastor Eric was asked to pray for troops being deployed to Afghanistan, in a televised Fox 5 News segment where his son Eric K. Woods, Jr. served as Platoon Sergeant. In 2009, he was acknowledged for his role in these communities and asked to perform the Ceremonial Opening Prayer in the company of the Honorable Marion Barry, Former Mayor Vince Gray, and Former City Councilwoman At-Large Carol Schwartz, for a publicized street name change in Southeast Washington, D.C. Apostle Eric truly used his anointing to be of service to God's people and to the community in which he so proudly served. He also led the mentoring program for returned citizens under Former Mayor Adrian Fenty's administration in years 2010 thru 2012, becoming a true 'Community Pillar'.

Additionally, in 2009, he was installed to the function of Bishop by Apostle Dennis Houston. In 2010 he became the overseer of Faithwalk Outreach Pastored by Sabrina Roberts, in Silver Spring, MD and installed Pastor Timothy Sherfield to the function of Bishop of Chosen Ministries. In this same year Bishop Eric was requested to pray blessings over candidate Ingrid Turner's campaign race that was highly publicized in Prince George's County, Maryland. Ingrid Turner made national news for being the first African American woman to win the judge seat over the Governor's appointed choices.

In 2016, he was then installed to the function of Apostle by Apostle Mary Lewis, under the leadership of Apostle John Eckhardt. Apostle Eric established Four Seasons Ministries, ministering internationally and within the U.S. to inspire, empower, and train individuals to become ordained pastors and ministry leaders within their own communities.

Of his many accomplishments, Apostle Eric would say his family was his greatest achievement. He took great joy and pride in the college graduates, military and police servicemen, business owners, managers, directors, and pastors that make up his legacy. Every achievement of his children and grandchildren made him prouder than any accomplishment he could have ever achieved in his own life. Until his last breath, his prayer was for his family to have unconditional love for each other, receive God's salvation and live a life pleasing unto the Lord, and reach every height in life seeking first the kingdom of God with a Christ-centered mindset.

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