Johnnie Pearl (Darrington) Woodard, better known as "Pearl", was born April 1, 1937, to the late Elroe Darrington Sr. and Iola Marie Darrington of Chickasha, Oklahoma.  She was the third oldest of ten children.

Pearl received her primary and secondary education in the Dover, Oklahoma educational system, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School. She later attended Wichita Business School with a focus in the nursing field where she received a certification in healthcare.

In 1957, Pearl met the love of her life, Lawrence Edward Woodard, at a basketball tournament in Dover.  They married in September 1957 in Kansas City, Missouri and relocated to Wichita, Kansas.  To this union, God blessed them with six children, making their family complete.

Pearl had outstanding work ethics and was employed by Saint Francis Hospital in the nursing field for over 40 years.  After retirement, relaxing at home and gardening was not completely satisfying, leading her to seek employment at Larksfield Place and continue her love for providing compassionate care to patients.

During her career, she was successful in developing many positive interpersonal relationships with individuals that she continued to foster until her death.

Pearls' love for basketball was discovered in high school which nourished her passion for the sport.  She was an active participant on her high school basketball team.  She was known for her curls dangling in her face as she ran down the court which many believed helped her to score points. One of the highlights of her day was watching a basketball game on television.  Pearl had a strong love for the Golden State Warriors and fond admiration for her favorite player, Steph Curry.

Pearl accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, attending Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W. G. Williams until his retirement. She was active in the Chancellor senior choir, the culinary committee and the floral landscaping group.

While staying with her daughter in Sacramento, California, she was an active member of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of her son-in law, Reverend Robin T. Hood Sr.

Anyone who knew Pearl knew she was enthusiastic and zealous about maintaining a well-manicured lawn and flower bed.  She was very knowledgeable of the different variations of plants and eagerly shared planting and care tips with others. She also had a passion for making ceramic figurines.

On July 3, 2024, Pearl transitioned to her heavenly home.  She was preceded in death by her parents; twin children, Larry Dean and Gwendolyn Jean; brothers: Elroe Darrington Jr., Lawrence (LD) Darrington, Henry Darrington, Billy Darrington, Oscar Darrington and Dewitt Darrington.

She leaves to cherish her memories beloved children: Stella Bussey (Charles), Paula Hood (Robin Sr.), Vanessa Ashley (G.O.), Lori Ann Hollins (Ricky Sr.), Lawrence Woodard Jr. (Larry); six grandchildren: Edward Roberson Jr., Robin Hood Jr., Ricky Hollins Jr., Brandy Hollins, Charmaine Ashley, Jeraun Roberson; eight great grandchildren; four sisters: Anna Caldwell, Virginia Martin, Eva Smith, and Dorothy Cook; along with a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.