Joyce Woodburn

Joyce Rhodes Elson Woodburn

Born in Marshall, TX, raised in West Monroe, LA, Baton Rouge resident Joyce Baker Jasper Rhodes Elson Woodburn, age 90, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2015. She was the second of the five children of William Godbey Jasper and Grace Ewell Baker Jasper.

She married Thomas Bennet Rhodes of Monroe in 1946, and they were blessed with five children. Eventually making their home in Baton Rouge, they formed Rhodes Publishing Co. After his death in 1974, she continued the family business. Under her guidance and with her second husband, Don Elson, the publications, including Louisiana Contractor, grew rapidly and was purchased in 1990 by New York-based McGraw-Hill Publishing. Don Elson passed away in 1991. In 1999, she married Gordon Woodburn of Sun City West, AZ, who perished in a car accident in 2003. She was a member of the Quota Club of Baton Rouge and served as its president for one year. An early member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, she served, on the administrative board and the building committee for the church's sanctuary and other buildings on campus, as a president of the United Methodist Women and helped direct publicity for the church's 40th anniversary.

She is survived by children: Linda Ward and husband, Bobby; Ladd Rhodes and Vickie; Kevin Rhodes and wife, Maelane; Kim Nagle; and Becky Smith and husband, Randall; daughter-in-law Charlene Rhodes. She had 10 surviving grandchildren: Stacey Ward Elson and Jon; Beth Ward; Blake Rhodes and Katrina; Michael Rhodes and Kellen; Bennet Rhodes and Sarah; Brittany Nagle Connor and Chris; Megan Nagle Weissel and Darren; Cullen Smith and Leanne and Jordan Smith and 14 great grandchildren.

Her three husbands, parents and siblings as well as her grandson Jonathan Brent Rhodes preceded her in death.

The family is grateful for the healthcare provided by Dr. Harold Brandt and the loving caregivers at Landmark of Baton Rouge.

Visitation will be observed Friday, July 17, 2015, at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge from 9:30 am until 11:00 am. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am. Final resting place is at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Visitation

Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive
Baton Rouge, LA  70815
Friday, July 17, 2015
9:30 am-11:00 am

Service

Broadmoor United Methodist Church
10230 Mollylea Drive
Baton Rouge, LA  70815
Friday, July 17, 2015
11:00 am

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816