Anthony Woodson

Anthony Woodson, aka Tony, Tone, or Wood was one of a kind and unforgettable! He was born on November 22, 1967, at Gottlieb Hospital in Melrose Park, Illinois, to Harry Woodson Sr. and Sandra Garrett Woodson. From that union, three children were born, Harry Jr., Anthony and Felita. Tony grew up in Maywood, Illinois, where he built lifelong friendships.

 He was baptised at St. James Catholic Church and he also attended elementary school there before moving on to Washington Elementary, and then proceeding to high school at Proviso East, Class of 1986 alumni. Tony played basketball in school, he loved to swim and he was also a part of a “pop-lock” dance group. Wood enlisted in the US Army for a short term at the age of 17. Wood moved from Maywood to Calumet City in 2003 to be with his life partner, Jamie Ford. There he continued his religious worship at Faith United Church in Dolton where he accompanied his grandchildren and family, often volunteering and assisting wherever needed. He worked as a butcher until the company went out of business, then he joined the family business as Head of Security at Klubb Karma for over a decade.

 He later moved on to working in a field where he was able to give back by helping others in need through the CeaseFire, Roseland, Foundation. Tone was also a current and long-time employee of Occasions Express, a family business that he enjoyed being a part of. He made lifelong friendships at all of his workplaces through the years. Tone was further blessed with Daddy Duty to his bonus children, Brontice's siblings,…. Brandon Ford, Britton Ford, Brycen Ford, Brehana Ford, Brentez Ford, and Braquel Ford, along with Miranda Kemp and Ethan Kemp. From them came 14 beautiful bonus grandchildren. Beyond his security role at Karma, Tone was the protector in the family. He was the one people leaned on, the calm in the storm. The voice of reason and a great listener. 

He wasn’t afraid to give a compliment or praise and he didn't have a jealous bone in his body. He had the memory of an elephant and an infectious laugh. Then there was that million dollar smile, and let’s not forget his quiet reactions, his signature mumble when he wasn’t pleased—if you know you know! Tone was a fighter. He battled Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and beat it like the champion he was, living cancer-free for over 15 years. Throughout that journey, he was supported by someone very special—his bonus mother, Judie Lewis. 

Their bond was unbreakable, a true mother-son relationship built on 100% love, trust, and care. Tone leaves to cherish his children: son- Levi (Wife Mia, Kids: Ariyanna, Khristian), Daughters Tamika (Kids-Randy, Angelina, Jules), Tanesha (Son- Josiah), Brontice (Son’s-Cortice and Corey), Simone (Jazzmine) (Husband Yadaya (Darius) and Daughters- Leah, Sarah, Ameya, Navah, Shamarah), Tiara (Kids-De-Veyah, Darryl, Cyrie, Chase). His bonus children: Brandon (Wife-Quiana, Kids Avion and Kamani), Britton (Wife Celia, Kids-Ambria, Amarri, Armani), Brycen (Kids- Brycen, Adren, BreYelle, Brylen), Brehana (Kids:Nikko, Nino, Nevaeh, Nariana), Brentez (Son-Brentez Jr.), Braquel, Miranda, Ethan (Kids: Amera, Ethan Jr.). The love of his life Jamie, his father Harry Woodson Sr., his sister Felita Woodson-Calvin (Marvell), his brother Michael Woodson; nephew Devin and nieces Dedrionne, Ashley, Arlondria, Tamia. He also leaves to cherish his Aunt Laverne (Patrick) Cameron. Cousins Jerry Garrett (Lajuana), Lori (Derrick) Logan and special friends: Terry (Ro) Milliner, Michael (Julo) Hilliard. And a host of cousins, friends and co-workers. Tone is now in good company and has reunited with those who went before him— Mother Sandra, Brother Harry Jr., Aunt Holly Woodson, Uncle Eddie Woodson, Uncle William Garrett, Aunt Felita Garrett, Aunt Patty Garrett, and bonus Son Brentez. While that gives us peace, it doesn’t take away the space Tone leaves here.