Margaret Kizer Woodson

Margaret Kizer Woodson, affectionately known as “Trudy,” 86, of Waco, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 5, 2026, passing peacefully surrounded by her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 8, at 10:00 a.m. at Central Christian Church, 4901 Lakeshore Drive in Waco. The family will receive friends for a Visitation Wednesday, October 7, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Boulevard in Waco.

Trudy was born March 7, 1940, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Hiram Lester Reeves and Margaret Frances Buie Reeves. As the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, she moved to Louisianna when she was 2 but moved to different cities often. She lived her adolescent years in Belcher where she found her true gal pals for life who proudly called themselves the Jive Five. They spent their formative years having fun and built a lifelong friendship that carried into her adulthood.

She attended Opelousas High School and graduated in 1958, leaving Louisiana for the Lone Star State of Texas to attend Trinity University in San Antonio.

At Trinity, Trudy studied home economics, won the Betty Crocker Award and spent more than a few days playing bridge with her college roommate and dear friend, Patti “Pookie” Renaldo. She was known for her water-skiing and trick skiing abilities on Lake McQueeney on the weekends and never turned down a chance for fun. She graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and moved to Waco, where she began working for Lone Star Gas Company.

It was there that Trudy met Lester Morris “Budda” Kizer Jr. on a blind date. Apparently, Budda needed only one date to make up his mind. That very night, he went home and told his mother he was going to marry Trudy Reeves.

Trudy and Budda were married July 17, 1964, at Central Christian Church in Waco, with Trudy’s father officiating the ceremony. During their 24 years of marriage, they welcomed three children: Kim Kizer Eastwood, Jill Kizer Bright and Lester Morris “Trey” Kizer III.

For many years, Trudy devoted herself to raising their children. She took tremendous pride in being a stay-at-home mother and a dedicated daughter-in-law to Lester and Valerie Kizer. She hosted lunches every Saturday for the family and made a special place for herself in the Kizer family.

Trudy’s second passion was volunteering. She never turned down a chance to give back. She taught Sunday school at Central Christian Church for more than 20 years and was deeply involved in the Junior League of Waco. Twice, she was asked to serve as president of the organization—a tremendous honor—but each time she declined because she believed her family needed to come first.

She was a wonderful cook who made sure her family sat down together for dinner each night. She also made certain they went to church—not just on Sundays, but, as her children remember, practically every time the doors were open. Through her example, expectations and unwavering faith, she helped lay a strong Christian foundation for her children that would guide them throughout their lives.

On February 24, 1989, Trudy’s life changed suddenly when Budda passed away in his sleep. She was only 48 years old. His death was a devastating loss, but Trudy was determined to pick up the pieces and continue leading her family forward. She was surrounded by support from her dear friends and Lester and Valerie Kizer. Her strength and determination became an example for her children. She did not allow them—or herself—to wallow in their circumstances. Her expectations never wavered. She pushed her children to continue their education, build lives of their own and become strong, independent adults.

During those difficult years, Trudy also discovered a new chapter for herself. She joined Planned Parenthood and quickly came into her own as a professional and talented fundraiser and communications director. She excelled in her work and, in 2001, received the Rumpelstiltskin Award for Excellence in Fundraising. Just as importantly, her career brought wonderful friendships that remained with her for the rest of her life. She retired in June 2011.

Trudy was blessed to find love a second time.

She and longtime family friend Jerry Mike Woodson of Burleson, Texas, were married April 20, 1996, in Waco. Mike’s late wife, Janey Woodson, had been a dear friend of Trudy’s, and the two families had known one another for years. Their children had grown up together, so bringing the families together felt natural. Mike moved to Waco, and what followed was a wonderful 30-year marriage.

Trudy and Mike understood that they had been given a second chance at love, and they made the most of it. They traveled, entertained, spent time with family and friends, and were deeply involved at Central Christian Church. Over the years, Trudy filled nearly every board position the church had to offer. Together, she and Mike served wherever they were needed.

They knew how to have fun too. Thursday evenings meant happy hour on the Barge, surrounded by friends. Trudy was truly the “hostess with the mostest.” She loved opening her home, setting a beautiful table, feeding people and bringing friends and family together. She continued entertaining and enjoying the company of others until the final days of her life.

Later in their marriage, Trudy’s eyesight began to fail. Mike became her devoted caregiver, standing beside her as she battled—and beat—cancer. He became her driver, and “her eyes” when she really needed it the most. Trudy depended greatly on Mike, and he wore that title with love and honor.

Those who knew Trudy will remember a woman who was fiercely devoted to her family, her faith and the people around her. She was never one to spend much time talking about herself. Instead, she focused on others and looked for the positive in life.

When life became difficult, she would “pull her big girl panties up” and carry on. She faced life full charge, with determination, humor and an unmistakable enthusiasm. She loved life, lived it fully and showed the world every day her “WOW” for life. She was a fighter who was never afraid to speak up when she believed something was not right.

Trudy carried many titles during her 86 years—daughter, sister, friend, wife, volunteer, fundraiser and faithful servant—but none meant more to her than Mom and Mimi.

Her family was her greatest accomplishment and her greatest joy.

Trudy was preceded in death by her first husband, Lester Morris “Budda” Kizer Jr.; her parents, Hiram Lester Reeves and Margaret Frances Buie Reeves; and her brothers, Glenn Reeves and wife Rhoda, and Graham Reeves.

Trudy is survived by her husband of 30 years, Mike Woodson; her children, Kim Eastwood of New Braunfels, Jill Bright, and husband James of College Station, and Trey Kizer of Waco; and her stepdaughters, Jennifer Hurr of Burleson and Melanie Bleakley, and husband Darrin of Prairieville, Louisiana and special daughter in law Heather Kizer Cooper of Waco. She is also survived by her sister, Genevieve Carlisle and husband Al Kline of Shreveport, Louisiana and special “sister” Mary Jane Rolebeicki, of Waco, TX.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Valerie Caldwell and husband Brett, Matt Eastwood and Kaleb Degler; Maggie Bright; James Bright Jr.; Jeb Bright; Clay Kizer, McCall Kizer, Amelia Morgan and husband Kody; Drake Hurr; Ashtyn Hurr, Dylan Bleakley and wife Ali; and Madison Bleakley; as well as her great-grandchildren, Kayde and Isla Morgan and Bennett Bleakley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Central Christian Church for the Trudy Woodson Memorial Fund, 4901 Lakeshore Drive, Waco, Texas 76710.

Trudy lived her life with faith, determination, laughter and an extraordinary love for her family. She loved deeply. She served generously. She expected the best from the people she loved because she believed they were capable of it. And through every chapter of her life, she never lost her “WOW.” That spirit—and the faith, strength and love she instilled in her family—will live on for generations.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Trudy in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.