[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 114 (Friday, June 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING DR. DENNIS CARLTON WOODS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HALEY M. STEVENS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 30, 2023

  Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Dr. 
Dennis Carlton Woods, an inspiring and influential member of the 
Southeast Michigan community who passed away on May 26th of 2023. As 
Dr. Woods' family reflected upon their loved one's magnificent life, 
they affectionately recalled him as a persistent, creative, and 
intelligent father and community member. While Dr. Woods will be deeply 
missed by the many people he impacted, there is no doubt that these 
qualities have been passed on to his family and friends and will 
continue to positively influence his community.
  On December 3, 1943, Dr. Dennis Carlton Woods was born in Detroit, 
MI, to Flavia Bell Taylor and Meldon Hubert Woods. Welcomed into a 
large, loving family, he was the third of seven dedicated and energetic 
children. After losing his father, Meldon, early in life, Dr. Woods 
sought new opportunities for himself and was determined to fulfill his 
intellectual curiosity. This determined spirit led him to Tennessee 
State University as a student athlete studying biochemistry with the 
intention of going to medical school. As a true Michigander, he still 
managed to return to Detroit during his summers to work at the Ford 
Motor Company foundry. Working hard to support himself and explore any 
opportunities that came his way, he sincerely believed that hard work 
is what is required to make something out of your talent. These values 
took Dr. Woods to Meharry Medical College in 1967, where he was 
incredibly involved in his campus community and pursued his medical 
degree, specializing in ophthalmology.
  Outside of his academic career, Dr. Woods tried as many different 
activities as he could while at Tennessee State University and Meharry 
Medical College. During his undergraduate career, he pledged Kappa 
Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. While in medical school, he was Editor-in-
Chief of the student newspaper, the Meharrian, Class Treasurer, Pre-
Alumni Association Treasurer, captain of the Meharry basketball team, 
and member of the Urology Club. His time as a student was also when he 
developed a passion for civil rights.
  His drive to try new things didn't stop when he came back home to 
Detroit. Even when he co-founded a private practice, the Detroit 
Medical Group, he continued to lead an adventurous and well-rounded 
life. Dr. Woods became politically active in the area, hosting multiple 
political fundraisers at his home for multiple candidates, including 
the first African American mayor of Detroit, Mayor Coleman Young. These 
acts of social service included volunteering regularly at Plymouth 
United Church of Christ. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed fine art, 
photography, gardening, genealogy, travel, and more. His hobbies 
allowed him to bring his community of family and friends together to 
enjoy the activities as a group.
  Above all, Dr. Woods was a family man. He was a loving father to his 
three children--Delisa Chimene, Dennis Jr., Krystle Charon--and was 
married to his wife--Polly Ann--for almost 55 years before his passing. 
He was heavily involved in his children's upbringing and encouraged 
them to pursue several opportunities and find their passions early in 
life. He spread his life experience, kindness, and zest for life to his 
children throughout their upbringing by showing them what they could 
achieve and supporting them in their individual pursuits. He remained 
close to his family and was even fortunate enough to spend time with 
his nine grandchildren. Dr. Woods had an impact on everyone around 
him--he took photos of families at every community gathering, 
participated in shared gardens, spread his scientific teachings, and 
connected people across his lifetime.
  Dennis Carlton Woods was truly a unique man--he was driven, brave, 
intelligent, curious, and above all, he was kind. His loss is one that 
leaves a community not only with irreplaceable memories, but also with 
valuable life lessons and love that will never leave them. He was a 
loving husband, father, and community leader who never failed to teach 
those around him. His legacy of hard work, dedication, and belief in 
his peers to succeed will live on for years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to recognize the life of Dr. Dennis 
Carlton Woods today, and I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 
his remarkable impact on his community.

                          ____________________