Yulanda Faye Woods, of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026, after a faithful and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was at home, surrounded by her loving family and comforted by her beloved companion, her "Fluffy Love" puppy of nearly 18 years. She is now reunited in Heaven with those who went before her.

Yulanda was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on October 30, 1943, to Ela Lometa and Merrell Alton Hawkins. She was a graduate of Bethany High School, where she met the love of her life and true soulmate, Bernard Woods. They were married in June, 1963 and were blessed with three children, two grandchildren and numerous fur babies during their 48 years of marriage.

Yulanda spent her childhood with her parents moving from small town to small town in Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas, with her father pastoring small churches in each state. In later years she was her mother's caregiver when she was battling Alzheimer's, all while working for Hertz Data Center for nearly 38 years before retiring in 2007. She was an incredibly loving wife and mother who would sacrifice anything for her family.

Nothing brought Yulanda more joy than spending time with her family. She especially treasured traveling to watch her sons play sports and later cheering on the next generation—her grandsons. Whether it was baseball, basketball, football, soccer, or flag football, it didn't matter the sport or the distance—she was always there, proudly supporting and encouraging from the sidelines.

Yulanda also devoted countless hours supporting her daughter's love of dance. She spent many evenings in dance studios, watching with pride as her daughter performed. For over 40 years, she faithfully attended Our Diamond Miss Pageants alongside her daughter—first as a proud mom, and later continuing the tradition by supporting and encouraging other young women.

Her love for mentorship and encouragement extended even further through her involvement with the Miss America organization. From Kansas to Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and beyond, Yulanda cheered on "her girls" with enthusiasm and pride. She was always honored to wear their buttons and support them year after year, celebrating their accomplishments as if they were her own.

She also never missed an Oklahoma Sooners football game, whether in Norman when Bernard was with her or watching on TV with her family.

Yulanda lived a life defined by her unwavering faith. She was an active member of Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, participating in many groups including her Sunday School class, Widows Group, Reaching Our City Store, her much loved Goofy Group, and other community services.

Yulanda is survived by her sons, Bernie and his wife Kelly, Chad and his wife Heather and their son, Jackson; daughter, Lometa and her son, Teagan; and brother, Joe Hawkins; as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

While we mourn her absence, we rejoice in the assurance that she is now restored and reunited with those who have gone to our eternal home before her: her father, Merrell Alton Hawkins, mother, Ela Lometa Smelser; beloved husband, Bernard Woods, Sr.; brothers, Wayne and Alton; sisters, Ela Hawkins and LaNita Clark; and fur babies, Muffin, Boomer, Fluffy Love, along with countless more.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams is Wednesday, 9am-8pm, with family present from 4-8pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 16, 10:00am, at Mercer-Adams Chapel. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on this obituary page.