Arlis Woods

John Arlis Woods, age 84, of Ethel, MS, went home to be with his Lord on December 8, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him.

He was born on March 31, 1941, at the foot of Burns Hill (Burns Hollow) outside of Ethel, MS, weighing approximately 3 lbs. He was the first-born son of Thomas Jefferson Woods and Lillian Marybell (Burns) Woods.

A devoted Christian, Arlis lived his life grounded in faith, prayer, and service to others. He was a faithful member of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years finding strength, fellowship, and purpose.

Throughout his life, Arlis was known for his strong faith, steady work ethic, kindness, integrity and above all his fun-loving spirit. He served in the National Guard Army and dedicated many years to the Hosiery Mill, Mississippi Forestry Commission, farming & Hilltop Furniture and took pride in providing for his family. His greatest joy came from time spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Joyce (McElroy) Woods of 63 years. They were united in raising their children, Johnnie (Woods) Armstrong and Jeffery Woods, working hard together in farming and building a successful business for future generations of their family, including 6 grandchildren, Jessica (Woods) Swindle, Stoney Armstrong (Haley), Sawyer Thomas Armstrong, Destiny Woods, Katie Woods, Patricia Woods and 9 great grandchildren, Braylen. Emily, Jax, Rowdy, Nevaeh, Micah, DJ, Zayden and Serenity. His prayers, wisdom, guidance and love will continue to guide those he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeff and Lillian Woods, grandson, Sawyer Armstrong and nephew, Kevin Woods.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Jordan Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Jordan Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Rev. Tommy Allen & Rev. William Bouchillon will officiate the services.

Serving as pallbearers are Eric McElroy, Michael McElroy, Braylen Ellington, Stoney Armstrong, Danny Grubbs, and Corey Austin. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Rowdy Armstrong, Jax Lee, and Ed Woods.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to hospital staff, hospice, caregivers for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pilgrim Rest Cemetery Fund.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23