Biography: Marion Woodard, Jr., 66, of Manhattan, New York, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Marion was a loving and devoted person, cherished by his family and friends. He was a God-fearing man who carried his Bible with him everywhere he went, demonstrating his faith in all that he did.
Born on February 28, 1958 in Manhattan, New York, Marion was the son of the late Reverend Marion Woodard, Sr. and Susie Boyd Woodard.
He attended High School for Printing where he was known for his skill on the basketball court. Marion's love for basketball extended into his teenage years and young adult-hood, where he was often seen playing on the basketball courts of the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Everyone knew him as Peewee, who loved to dress and look sharp while showing off his skills on the court. His signature style was a blend of flair and confidence, both in his game and in how he presented himself. Whether he was in a jersey or his street clothes, Peewee always had an eye for fashion and a swagger that turned heads wherever he went. On the court, his quickness and agility were unmatched, and his ability to read the game made him a standout player in any pickup game. Peewee's love for the game was only rivaled by his passion for his community, always staying connected to the people around him and giving back whenever he could. Marion later pursued his passion for photography at Brooklyn College where he further developed his creative talents.
Despite the hardships, Marion's spirit remained strong. He still carried a loving and kind heart, always showing compassion for those around him. His ability to empathize with others, even when battling his own mental illness, became one of his most defining qualities. While the photography career he'd once envisioned took a backseat, his connection to people whether through a simple conversation or an act of kindness continued to shine through.
Marion is survived by: his mother, Susie Boyd Woodard; three brothers: Marvin, Mel and Ellington; three sisters: Dale, Wendy and Angel; one daughter, Shaundell Thomas; son-in-law, Ali Thomas; two grandsons: Sean and Ryan; nieces and nephews: Tameka, Monet, Sharise, Cherish, Najee, Nyjea, Rionna, Hashanie, Trayvel, Sammy, Tyrell, Angelica, Albert, Tobias, Janet and Jeremiah; nine great-grand nieces and seven great-grand nephews, three great-great grandnieces, five great-great grandnephews; and other relatives and friends who will mourn his passing and remember him.
