Mr. Venel Jarrard Woods

Celebrating The Life Of Venel Woods: We are gathered here to celebrate the life of a young man who touched us all for 25 years. Venel Jarrard Woods (A.K.A. Vennie) was born on October 3, 1989 to the union of Lionel Jules and Venus Cosette Woods. He was the youngest of his siblings, Della, William, Bobbi and Lionel. At times, he was considered the eldest because of his demeanor and wise temperament. He was especially close to his brother Lionel as they shared a 16 month age difference, and many referred to them as "The Boys." Venel grew up in Detroit surrounded by his younger siblings and cousins, all of whom attended Detroit Urban Lutheran School together. He was the junior version of a "Tri-athlete", excelling in such sports as basketball, football and baseball. Vennie was active in Judo (a Martial Arts Sport), where he participated in tournaments throughout the Metropolitan area. He mastered the sport and later became a brown belt. Venel had a deep thirst for knowledge, especially regarding biblical facts and current events. He accepted Christ at an early age prior to his baptism on March 9, 1997. He attended Metropolitan Community Tabernacle all of his life and grew up as one of the cherished youngsters within the United Assemblies. He participated in various church activities such as Vacation Bible School, Circle Y Camp, Winter Retreat, Spring Arbor and the church's own baseball and football teams. He also served on the usher board staff alongside his brother, Lionel. While Venel was mild tempered, he was known for his witty humor and could bring laughter to any occasion. He was a jokester, but also a deep thinker. He loved playing Chess and the company of his close-knit circle of friends. Venel attended C.M.A. (Communication Media Arts) High School and relocated to Georgia during his last year. He graduated from North Cobb High School on March 25, 2008. Venel returned to Detroit and held a position at Absopure Water Company while taking classes at Wayne County Community College. He developed an interest in a future entrepreneurship with a partner creating a T-shirt apparel line. Shortly before his death, he enrolled in Business and Digital Media Art Design classes at Marygrove College. Sadly, Vennie departed from this life on Wednesday, December 10, 2014. He is a martyr (a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of principle) in the sense that his passing is not in vain but encourages us to value our precious time on Earth and to walk closely with the Lord. Psalm 90:12 (KJV) "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

Mr. Venel Jarrard Woods

October 3, 1989 - December 10, 2014