On August 19, 2012, Nora Belle Calicutt Woods peacefully entered her eternal rest in the 
presence of her loving family.
Nora Belle was born February 17, 1923 in Hickory, North Carolina, the sixth child of Lupelia Calicutt and Clarissa “Classie” Mae Calicutt. Her mother died shortly after her birth, leaving Nora Belle to be raised by Reverend Sylvester Hayden and his wife Minnie Hayden.
Due to Rev. Hayden’s church assignments, Nora Belle attended many schools in North Carolina, graduating high school at Allen Home in Asheville. Nora Belle continued her education at Bennett College and graduated with a degree in elementary education.
During Nora Belle’s career as an educator she taught at many schools throughout North Carolina. She retired from the teaching profession with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
Nora Belle was not only an educator at school but made working with children a lifetime enjoyment. There was never a time when there were not children at her home. She treated each child as if they were her own.
Nora Belle became a Catholic while in college in the 1940s. She became a member of Our Lady of Consolation in 1963 after moving to Charlotte.
Nora Belle was a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and the retired North Carolina Association of Educators.
Nora Belle was married to the late James Haywood Woods for fifty-four years. Rejoicing in her memory are children Dr. Karen Blackwell (Donnie), Robert Woods and Innis Woods; grandchildren Ako Barnes (Maki), Furahn Woods (Brandy) and Colby Woods; great-grandchildren Anika Barnes, Brooke Woods, and Torian Woods; godchild Dannette McLaurin Glass and her best friend for life Bettye Sue McLaurin.
During Nora Belle’s declining health, she was blessed to have the loving devotion of Mary Morrow Hardge and her grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 12 p.m. at Our Lady of Consolation (301 Statesville Ave., Charlotte). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Bennett College.
Alexander Funeral Home is serving the family.
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