Jeffrey Lynn Woodyard

Jeffrey Lynn Woodyard, Ph.D, 53, departed this life to walk with the Most High God and his ancestors on Thursday, June 3, 2010, in his hometown of York, PA. Jeffrey was born January 26, 1957, to Janet Sweeney Woodyard, of York, and the late Louis E. Woodyard, Sr. He was a tireless advocate for education in word and in deed. After graduating from William Penn Senior High School (York), he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Shippensburg State College; a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston, MA; and a Doctor of Philosophy in African American Studies from Temple University. He was a professor of Communication Studies and Africana Studies at Stetson University in Deland, FL; African American Studies at Georgia State University and Speech and Theatre Arts at Shippensburg University. Jeffrey also taught Language Arts in the York City and Volusia County , FL school districts and served as a substitute teacher in the Harrisburg and York school districts. An accomplished educator, researcher, writer, and speaker, Jeffrey specialized in faith-based HIV/AIDS education and prevention; instructional and research design; data analysis; service learning and communication. He received numerous grants, fellowships and awards from various institutions and organizations, including the Atlanta University Center Service Learning Cooperative, the North Carolina Society, the National Humanities Center and the American Psychological Foundation. His work has been published in a variety of scholarly journals including the Benjamin E. Mays Institute Monograph Series, the Journal of Black Studies, The Griot, and the Journal of Pastoral Care. He also contributed to the following books: Understanding African American Rhetoric: Classical Origins to Contemporary Innovations; Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the 21st Century: A Communication Perspective; and Transformations: A Curriculum Transformation Resource. Jeffrey served on the board of directors of the National AIDS Education/Services for Minorities. He was also a member of the National Communication Association where he served as chair of the African American Communication and Culture Division; as a member of the Legislative Council; and as Associate Editor of the Communication Education journal. In addition, Jeffrey served on the editorial board of the Journal of Black Studies and as an external reviewer for the Howard Journal of Communication. After returning home, Jeffrey joined Trinity United Church of Christ and was involved with its music outreach and worship ministries and program planning. He was also researching the history of local institutions that had influenced his early development such as the Crispus Attucks Center, Bethel A.M.E. Church and the York City School District. In addition to his mother, Jeffrey is survived by his brother, Louis, Jr. of York; sisters, Debi Johnson (Wes) and Monica of Harrisburg;; nephews Robert Addison of York and Stephen-Lawrence and Daniel-Clayton Johnson and Israel Sexton of Harrisburg; nieces Amanda and Ericka Bryant and Kayla Eaton of York; D'ani Johnson of Philadelphia; and Imani Woodyard of Harrisburg; godson, Robert Lambert of York together with a host of other family members and friends who will miss him but rejoice in the knowledge that he is pain-free. A celebration of Jeffrey's life is planned for July 10, 2010 at 10:00 AM at his church, 32 West Market Street, York, PA. The commemoration will continue immediately following the service in Penn Park. Hooper Memorial Home Inc. is handling the arrangements for Jeffrey Woodyard