Iris D. Woods

SYRACUSE – Iris D. Woods, age 59, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, March 30, 2022; though unexpected, she was blessed to pass in the comfort and dignity of her home. Born in New Hartford on July 5, 1962, to the late Novia Lee Sr., and Ella (Freeman) Woods, she was raised and educated locally, having attended Potter Elementary, Kernan Elementary, and T.R. Proctor High School. Iris shared a longtime relationship with Ricky Holliman; the pair were further united and blessed when they welcomed their son Ricky into the world. He was truly a great connection for the couple. Iris was then fortunate to share in a relationship with the man who held her heart and was her dear friend: Timothy Lints, who had always been part of the family. Iris and Timothy were blessed by the birth of their son Jordan Lints. The couple could always find a way into each other’s hearts. Iris began her career with a position as a Teacher’s Aide in the Head Start Program during the Mattie Lee Brown era. A magnanimous woman, Iris’s gift to those she encountered was to constantly give from her huge heart. Through her care taking and discipline, Iris helped form the foundation for so many young children, who remember her to this day. Iris would even get the opportunity to teach her nieces and nephews who were sometimes amongst her groups of students. These students could always count on her to be a “good soul.” Iris was truly born to be a mother figure to so many; nurturing energized her, and she was known for consistently being a helpful and constant presence in her loved ones’ lives. Additionally, she was always sincere in her intentions. Iris followed her sister to most of her residences; the sisters ran together as a pack and were the best of friends. Iris last lived in Syracuse, where she became a valuable employee in the kitchen at Francesca’s Cucina Restaurant. Her family was so proud that their mom had the opportunity to work in such a wonderful establishment. A positive woman, Iris always saw the “glass as half full.” She worked her hardest to provide for her family, often worrying about others’ needs and ensuring that they would be met. As kind as Iris was, and as much as her generosity was appreciated, it was the wish of her family and her sons that Iris could have loved upon herself as much as she worried about others. She was completely others-centered! When Iris faced ill-health, she was able to overcome her cancer. Amen! And sometimes, life was not easy for her as the matriarch of the family. Iris carried so much of the weight of care taking, which was sometimes heavy on her heart. Yet she did her best and never failed to have one’s back, never faltering in her loyalty or leaving one’s side. She was one “tuff cookie!” Iris knew how to live life! She enjoyed house parties, going to clubs, and dancing—her moves were memorable! “Old School is here, and Old School is here to stay!” she would exclaim. Iris knew how to laugh and enjoyed recording live videos—especially when she could pull them up and remind everyone of how good she looked. When Iris spoke it, there was no sugarcoating and it was from the hip. She knew how to make others laugh as well, and everyone found her so funny; she was her own comedy act! As “Grandma Iris”, her grandchildren were her everything. She was so proud of them and their accomplishments, particularly their gymnastics, and spoke of them often. Iris was known as the “family function,” for they didn’t happen without her. She would do the cooking and make sure everything turned out great. For Iris, everyone’s pleasure over a well-run get-together was a reward as desirable as an Oscar! Once the meal was complete, the programming could begin; Iris would sip her wine, prepared for the party! A woman of many talents and delights, Iris was a great cook who had mastered various styles of cuisine; she could cook soul food or Italian food using old recipes. Her family greatly appreciated how Iris had the talent to create these great meals and plates. Iris was also a creative person and enjoyed painting, drawing pictures, sketching; her grandkids also innately had her talents. Additionally, Iris was a very competitive woman—a real warrior on the field! She played softball and wore her number 2 with pride. Her many softball friends loved her, and all remember those great times. Iris was a woman of strong faith who was always praying for so many. Iris is survived by her two beloved sons, Ricky Woods Sr., and his love Jennifer B.; and Jordan Lints, and his dad, Tim Lints. She will live on in the hearts of her cherished grandchildren, Lanice, Kaseem, Ricky Jr, Kayla, Destiny, Cadice, Paris, and London; Jordan II, Jordy, Joshua, and Chance. Iris held the memory of her grandson Ammar A. Williams in her heart, who passed in 2015. She leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Kameron, and Jaedyn; her sister, Lisa Woods; and her brothers, Donald Freeman, Tirus Freeman, Clay Woods, Sr., Travis Woods, and Nicky Woods. Iris was predeceased by her brothers, Ronald Freeman who passed in 1970, Nolan Woods who passed October 2, 1991, and Novia Lee Woods, Jr. who passed January 23, 2003. She will be fondly remembered by a host of her nieces and nephews, including Donald Jr., and Lisa; Tirus, Jr., T’mya, Ty’ann, Nikia, Kayla, Daniella, Matt, Devin, Antoine, Carson, Junior, Jyiaan, and Jonuiae; Clay Jr., Nicole, and Cameron; Travina; Damont, and Aaliyah; Coella (Rashid), Quaneisha, Brandon, Devon, Drequan, and Samir; Janelle, Shayna, Rita, Cory, and Mike; Rondrel, Nidra, Anthony, and Noriel, who preceded her. Iris is also survived by great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; special aunts, Connie Boddie of Utica NY, Velma Woods of Florida, Dale Hunt of Utica NY, and Anne Smith of Dublin GA; and special uncle, James Freeman of Tampa FL. She shared a wonderful close relationship with her special niece, Ava, as well as a host of beloved friends, including Don, Sam and Glen. Iris was predeceased by her cousin Diane Green, whom she enjoyed many good times with. Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Iris’s Celebration of Life will commence at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home immediately upon the conclusion of visitation.

Iris D. Woods

July 5, 1962 - March 30, 2022