Idell Fortenberry

Idell  was the first child of eight children born to Cornelius Woodard, Sr. and Ethel Lee Woodard on January 6, 1942 in Pelican, Louisiana.  After years of suffering from bipolar and dementia,  the Lord called her home on Sunday, April 21^, 2024 at approximately 7:45 pm.  Her father, mother,  two sisters; three brothers;  Adell “Betty” Woodard Tullous, Earnestine Woodard Flowers; Lee Woodard(infant death); Cornelius Woodard, Jr, Robert Lee Woodard and Peter James Woodard preceded her in death.

Idell leaves a beautiful legacy for all who knew and loved her(see highlights):

• She confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. James Baptist Church by the late Reverend Anderson in 1956.  
• childhood years included growing up in Pelican, Louisiana right next door to the family church/ St. James Baptist church and later in Armstead, Louisiana in an updated home often called the the White House by the railroad track.
• City/States of residence include Houston, Texas, Dallas, Texas, Los Angeles/Inglewood, Cailfornia, Shreveport, Louisiana and Mansfield,Texas
• Experienced the joy of motherhood at the birth of her son, Jervise on September 24, 1971. She decided not to list the father’s name on his birth certificate and decided to assign her divorced last name of Locke. Jervise was her love child and she loved him.
• Found love and marriage (2) times.  Charles Locke late 1950’s for (5yrs) or so and Daniel Fortenberry late 1970’s for (5 )yrs or so.
• Worked and assumed various management roles in food/hospitality industries in Dallas, Los Angeles and Shreveport. Excelled in preparing mind blowing meals for family/friends and others.
• Also, studied Cosmetology in the late 1950s – she loved doing hair and changing her hair color for a new look.  Really rocked a short Blonde hair cut in the late 1970s.
• Sang in the choir at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Los Angeles, California(late 1970’s).
• Had a passion for dolls/stuffed animals, flowers, expensive jewelry, clothes/shoes, home décor/ homes.
• Her personality included loving to laugh, talk, eat, sight-see, music(gospel/RnB, Pop), movies, comedy shows, dancing/concerts, family/friend gatherings….etc.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her son, Jervise L. Locke(Lisa) Charleston, South Carolina, (1) sister, LaVonne Bennett(aka Von) of Arlington, Texas , (2) Sister-In-Laws, Gloria Jean Woodard, Bossier City, Louisiana  and Barbara Woodard of Highland, California; nieces; LaTonya Flowers of Irving, Texas; Cordelia Tullous of Irving, Texas; Ashley Woodard of Highland, California, Destiny Bennett of Plano, Texas and Nadajalah Bennett of Aubrey,Texas; nephews; ;Eric Woodard of Bossier City, Louisiana;  Maurice Woodard(Jessica) of West Covina, Cailfornia; Desmond Bennett Jr. of Arlington, Texas; great niece; Malia Woodard, great nephews; Evan Woodard and Elijah Woodard and a host of relatives and friends.