Gladys Peppenhorst Woofter

Gladys Woofter ended her earthly journey peacefully on May 22, 2014, at Broadview Assisted Living in Pensacola, FL. The cause of death was congestive heart failure. She was the fifth of eight children of Winnie Jones and Leon Stanford Peppenhorst of Marengo County, AL. She and her twin brother, Thad, were born on April 21, 1921. At an early age, she made two decisions that would shape her life: she decided from the first day of school that she wanted to be a teacher, and she committed herself to the service of Jesus Christ. She excelled in school, and when her twin brother frequently had to miss school to help with work on the family farm, she taught him that day’s school lessons at night. She received her teacher training in elementary education from Livingston State Teachers College (now University of West Alabama) and later received a master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL. She began her teaching career in Santa Rosa County at Fidelis School in 1940. Her sister Fannie introduced her to the Munson High School business teacher and basketball coach, a tall, taciturn West Virginian named Robert Woofter and they married on July 8, 1942, prior to his induction into the army during World War II. After the conclusion of the War, they began a family and for the next 27 years, both Woofters taught in Florida public schools in Santa Rosa, Escambia, and Palm Beach counties. In 1972, they retired from teaching and returned to Santa Rosa County, where they renewed many friendships and contributed extensive volunteer time to their church. Gladys shared her gifts of humor, positivity, and love with all who knew her and inspired many with her tenacity in facing the trials of life. To the end of her life, she was known for her zest for imparting knowledge to those around her. She was faithful in maintaining contact with a wide network of extended family and maintained a voluminous correspondence until she was no longer physically able to write. She was well known for the humorous rhyming tributes she wrote for special occasions. She was a passionate supporter of church mission activities and a tireless worker for the welfare of others. In retirement, she enjoyed sharing gifts of baked goods, especially pies. Both Gladys and Bob Woofter were extremely proud of being retired teachers. They were among the founders of the local West Virginia Day observance. Gladys Woofter is survived by one sister, Virginia Tharp of Hohenwald, TN; a daughter, Linda Woofter McFadden of Germantown, MD; a son, Douglas Woofter of Hendersonville, NC; several grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her son Lynn Woofter and husband, Robert Woofter. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 1:00 pm at Pine Terrace Baptist Church with Bro. Wiggins officiating services. Burial will follow at Serenity Gardens. Memorial gifts may be made to the building fund of Pine Terrace Baptist Church, 6212 Pine Blossom Rd., Milton, FL 32570; or Emerald Coast Hospice, 4212 Hwy. 90, Pace, FL 32571-2000. Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.