Venus Lewis Woods

Venus Monique Lewis Woods, 56, of Henrico Virginia, entered eternal rest on December 8, 2023. Venus Monique was welcomed into this world by her proud parents, George (of Savanna, Georgia) and Nellie (Fayetteville, NC) Lewis, on February 25, 1967. Her southern roots and Christian upbringing influenced her legacy: love and the well-being of others. Her father George named her after the ancient Roman goddess of love and beauty. She often spoke of her father’s pearls of wisdom, his confidence, his strength, and how he introduced her to the beauty of the ocean. She and her mother shared a special bond; laughter and southern charm, faith and love, friendship and mutual adoration. Venus Monique was an only child but a sister to many. Her maternal Grandmother was another early influence on her life. She taught about work ethic, food, land, and market. She learned to plant, shell, peel, can, freeze, and pick “this and that.” In her hometown of Fayetteville, NC, she attended Methodist University, a university with a mission aligned with her upbringing; focused on prioritizing the dignity and worth of all human beings and identifying truth, virtue, justice, and love as core principles. Venus Monique’s family and education guided her in life and love. Armed with character, Christianity, culture, and good old-fashioned common sense, she served as a community leader, consummate entrepreneur, published author, consultant, coach, and mentor. However, she would often say her greatest love and role was as Aviana’s Mother. Venus Monique was a Boss and brazen brown beauty. She was a Yes Ma’am, quick-witted, even-tempered, intelligent, no-nonsense kind of lady. She was a woman with a kind demeanor, open arms, and southern charm. She found joy in camaraderie and togetherness, and was a pillar of many communities. She worked for Food Lion for 34 years, and in her most recent position as store manager of Food Lion in Glen Allen, VA, she volunteered her time to mentor and coach with a focus on the well-being of others. She amassed a large following, educating and publishing on many platforms. She was a limitless optimist starting with the here and now. Whether at breakfast, brunch, a late meal at Mama J’s restaurant, board room, or beachfront, she shared wisdom on self-improvement, life, health, and the power of YES! Venus Monique celebrated life and dressed for the occasion. She gave love and it was reciprocated. Whether it be a family member, friend, coworker, mentor, or mentee, she was loved, adored, and admired by all. Each was accountable to her and for her, validating her accomplishments, virtue, spirituality, dignity, and worth. She was resolute and resourced to shore her up, allowing her to rest and restore so that she could continue the mission.

Venus Monique was preceded in death by her mother, Nellie Cordellia Lewis, Maternal Grandmother Mrs. Dora S. Robinson, Paternal Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. David and Corethia Lewis. Left to cherish her memory includes her daughter, Aviana Woods, husband Richard Woods, Father George Lewis, Aunt Paula Middleman, Uncle Pete Middleman; cousins, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 3PM Saturday December 30 at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home, 2011 Grayland Avenue.