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This past weekend, the Woods family held a memorial tribute celebrating the life of Van DeWard Woods who died in October 2024. The event was held at Sylvia’s Also. Van’s family planned the event for guests, friends, and colleagues who came to pay tribute to Van.
Van was the son of Sylvia Woods, the legendary founder of Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem, known internationally as the “Queen of Soul Food.” Sylvia and her husband Herbert, natives of South Carolina, met as children and started Sylvia’s restaurant in Harlem in 1962.
Those who paid tribute and the family often referred to Van as the “Visionary” in the family. Speakers at the memorial tribute included Mac McDonald, Gary Greenhouse, Geoff Schaber, Che Woods, Shauna Woods, Olga Bright (veteran employee of 42 years at Sylvia’s Restaurant), Gloria Wilson, Tony Rogers, and Reverend Al Sharpton. Rev. Sharpton said in his remarks, “Harlem has lost a Visionary Legend who will be truly missed.” Gary Greenhouse and Geoff Schaber, who worked with Van to produce and distribute Sylvia’s products in supermarkets nationwide, told stories of how they met Van and how persuasive he was in motivating them to take on the ventures. Van’s son, Che Woods, spoke about how he traveled to many places with his dad, including Africa, where he was inspired to start producing the black soap line. Friends from childhood shared their memories.
Tren’ness Woods-Black served as MC and referred to her uncle as having lived a life “unapologetically on his own terms.”
Van received his Bachelor of Science degree from South Carolina State University and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School.
Van was instrumental in establishing Sylvia’s Food Products, which you can find in supermarkets across America. He is also the founder of Dr. Woods Products, a natural soap and wellness line.
The memorial took place in a family atmosphere. Of course, guests enjoyed Sylvia’s famous cuisine at the event, which included cornbread, collard greens, chicken, coconut shrimp, and a salad. Casandra Woods Feimster sang “Precious Lord.”
Van passed away peacefully at his home in South Carolina, with his devoted wife and caregiver, Brenda Woods, as well as family by his side. Subsequently, funeral services were held in South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Sylvia Woods, who died in 2001 and 2012, respectively. He leaves behind to cherish his memories seven children: Che Woods, Shauna Woods, Vonét Woods, Malaika Woods, Sierra Woods, Devaughn Woods, and Richard Gordon; three siblings, Kenneth Woods, Bedelia Woods, and Crizette Woods, as well as nine nieces and nephews.
