Woodbourne Charles Wood "Dickie"

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up. Ecclesiastes 3 v 1-3

Woodbourne Charles Wood “ Dickie” was born on September 20, 1945, to Cecelia Patterson and Ernest Wood in the small village of Wilton in St Elizabeth, Jamica. Tragically, when he was only 16 months old his mother Cecelia passed away. He was then raised by his grandmother Medora Cook, also known as Aunt Tizy and his great grandmother Esther Cook. He attended Braes River All age school and later as a teenager he attended the Jamaica Youth Corp in Cobbla, Manchester.

Woodbourne migrated to the US in early 1970’s, initially as a seasonal worker. After moving to the US, he met and married his soul mate and life partner, Norma Allen. These two were basically joined at the hip! This happy union lasted 50 years and produced one child, Cleon. Their union is the epitome of love, mutual respect and dedication to each other. Over the years, the family grew as Dickie’s 3 older children Howard, Carolyn, and Desrine, migrated to the US and completed the blended family. Later, we also welcomed another brother, Shawn.

Initially, Woodbourne had many odd jobs. Eventually, he was employed by Ford Motor Company in New Jersy, where he worked on the assembly line. He was a hard worker and loved his job. He worked at Ford for many years until eventually, that plant closed. Never one to give up, he acquired certification in welding at Apex Technical School. He then parlayed his welding skills into his dream job at New York Transit Authority where he worked until his retirement in 2008. After work and on weekends, Woodbourne did many assorted jobs to supplement his income. He could fix just about anything: renovations, carpeting, plumbing, electrical work etc

Woodbourne and Norma loved to entertain, often hosting epic get-togethers including New Year’s Eve parties at their home on Sterling Street. I have fond memories of people filling our home with laughter and cheer, often spilling out onto the front porch and out into the small backyard, regardless of the weather. Meanwhile large pots of goat soup and the aroma of every variety of Jamaican food filled the kitchen. Woodbourne was the life of the party. He was ALWAYS joking around, telling hilarious stories (real or imagined) and making others smile. On the other hand, if he was passionate about a certain topic, he had no problems letting you know his opinions!

Woodbourne valued hard work and education. He instilled in his children the strong principle of persevering in order to actualize one’s full potential. He nurtured our dreams and supported our goals. We are who we are today because of his gentle but firm influence on our lives. Not only did he want to see the best in his children, but he also extended these expectations to others. He assisted many students by paying tuition and buying books, encouraging their success. Most recently, he collaborated with the principal and teachers at Braes River All Age school to support the school breakfast program, and he was instrumental in providing uniforms and scholarships. (Some of the children are here today)

Woodbourne was an avid sports fan. Initially, he was a diehard Met fan, often taking us to baseball games. Later, he mysteriously switched alliances to the NY Yankees and remained an ardent fan. He also loved watching cricket, track and field and tennis. More importantly, he never missed a chance to participate in a game of Dominoes. No one was safe when Woody was at the table! Back in the day, they often played for Nutrament instead of money! We have fond memories of him coming home with bags of Nutrament, after his successful wins!

He also loved playing Scrabble, a game he played with the tenacity of a military general. There was no letting us win, we had to earn our hard-fought victories!

In 2008, Woodbourne retired from New York Transit Authority and repatriated back to Jamaica. Once back home he quickly re-established relationships with many friends and family, and once again his home became a central point for friends and relatives to gather and be entertained. Just as they did at Sterling Street, Woody and Norma hosted many BBQs and get-togethers. More importantly, he began his ‘second career’ and favorite hobby which was farming. He absolutely loved farming! He and his many employees farmed hundreds of acres planting various fruits and vegetables, such as peppers, cassava and tomatoes which he would then sell to local grocery stores and hotels. He continued with his love of farming up to the very end.

Earlier this year he was faced with a health challenge and despite his best efforts and fighting gallantly, on July 15, 2025, Woodbourne completed his life’s journey filled with love, hard work, dedication and philanthropy.

Woodbourne was the anchor of the family. He was strong, a great listener, prudent, a sage businessman, generous and kind. He is survived by wife Norma. Children: Howard (Howie), Carolyn (Peaches), Desrine (Merva), Cleon and Shawn. Grandchildren: Melika, Darien, Peter Jr, Anthony, Carter, Darren and Savannah. Grand stepchildren: Michael, Cory, Leon and DeAndre: One great granddaughter Lavender Olivia. Brothers: Lloyd, Keith, BillChris; Sisters: Elaine, Patrika, Waverly (Dale), Hope. He is predeceased by his stepson Darlton (Devon); sister Donna and sadly by his sister Jenifer who passed away just one day before he did. Woodbourne also leaves to mourn nieces, nephews and hosts and hosts of friends and relatives.

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Your life was a blessing,

Your memory a treasure,

You are loved beyond words

And missed beyond measure

Gone from our sight but never from our hearts. Rest in peace, Dad.