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Jennifer Woodley: A Light That Could Not- And Will Not- Be Extinguished

There are souls who walk this earth with such quiet brilliance and grace that their presence feels like a divine whisper—gentle, yet powerful. Jennifer Woodley was one of those rare souls. Chaplain, devoted wife, loving mother of three sons, a proud grandmother, a joyful daughter to her parents, dedicated sister, and a beloved friend to many, even across continents. Jennifer lived a life that was both deeply rooted in faith and wildly generous in love.

Though she called Australia home, her light reached far beyond its shores. For fifteen years, I was blessed to share a close friendship with Jennifer. Although we never met in person, it was as if she were right alongside me as we shared our deep love of Christ through weekly emails.

Her wisdom and love for life overall was palpable— we communicated and exchanged words across oceans; hearts knit together by the Spirit. Her encouragement, her scriptures, her metaphors that danced with divine insight—all of it was a balm to my soul and to countless others who read her work.

Jennifer’s writing was not merely eloquent—it was anointed. Her devotionals, shared on this very site, carried the fragrance of heaven. Each article she penned was infused with a love for the LORD so mighty and pure, it stirred hearts to worship and drew weary souls back to hope.

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Despite facing immense challenging physical trials—especially in this past year—Jennifer never let suffering dim her light. She bore her pain with grace, never seeking pity, always pointing others to the One who sustained her. Her faith was not performative; it was lived, breathed, and poured out in service.

She cared and served as the Chaplain for children at school, fellowshipped with her church family, supported neighbors and friends, and still found time to lift others with her words. She gave her all and then gave more.  She especially loved the role of being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She spoke of them all with such relish and complete love that it overflowed in the emails she sent.

She also reached out to those in prison and encouraged these individuals giving them hope, and a reason to live – and many accepted Jesus Christ and shared the Word with her. She was a shining light in the dark. Through Christ she freed them from their prison walls, literally and figuratively – she ministered to them – as the LORD used her as His vessel in the plight of freeing these individuals.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jennifer was a woman of fierce kindness and quiet strength. Her soul was tender, her heart expansive. She loved deeply, listened intently, and served selflessly. Her life was a sermon—one of perseverance, joy, and unwavering devotion to Christ. She ran her race with endurance, and now, she has received her crown from the One she loved so faithfully.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…

Though my heart aches with the loss of a dear friend and great human being, I rejoice in knowing that Jennifer is now in glory, embraced by the Savior she adored. Her legacy lives on—in her children, her grandson, her writings, and in every life she touched. Her devotionals will continue to minister across generations, echoing the truth she held so dear.

Jennifer, I will miss your radiant spirit, your wisdom, your encouragement, and your unwavering faith. I will miss your metaphors that made scripture come alive, and your examples that taught so many how to live for the LORD with courage and grace in every circumstance.

You were a lighthouse in stormy seas; a friend whose love never wavered.

Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Until we meet face-to-face, I bid you a loving and tearful adieu. You are forever etched in my heart, and your light from within—oh, your glorious light—will never be extinguished. After all you now stand with the very Light of the World!

 

Matt 25:21 Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

About C D SWANSON

C D SWANSON is an Author of 22 plus books, freelance writer, contributor to various websites, including The Bottom Line Ministries/Faith News. She's an active member of Faithwriters- and has her online website/ministry for over 15 years. It is her greatest joy to write what’s in her heart, and thus her favorite form of expression is in her devotionals. She and her husband share a deep love of God and dote on their fur baby Mickey. Retired Director from Long Term Healthcare Industry, she continues to be an advocate for many. To check out other writings of this author you can go here:

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12 comments

  1. Jennifer will be missed. What a lovely person, who reflected her beautiful heart for Jesus, and the life she lived through her writing. It’s challenging to hear about losses like this, but I am thankful that we have her writings to continue to share through this ministry. May God bless and be with her family through this tough time.

    • Joel,
      Yes – she will be missed – but as you’ve so generously said, her writings will continue as her legacy goes forward with all of the beautiful messages she shared about the LORD.
      She was a true classy lady and woman of God. We all know where she is at this very moment, she truly entered into the glory of the LORD.
      God Bless

  2. Jennifer was truly an inspiration for all who were touched by her interest in their lives to come to know the only Redeemer of our souls. Whether through her writings or a personal outstretched hand, she had the love for people in her heart because of her deep love for the Savior.
    Please keep her family in prayer at this time that are in mourning as they go forward with their lives. May they honor the Lord and trust in Christ for all their needs.
    Thank you Camille for sharing your personal relationship with Jennifer and graciously giving honor to her as a faithful friend and servant.

    • Cora,
      Thank you for such beautifully written sentiments – appreciate it – and sure Jennifer is smiling from above.
      She was special and she will be deeply missed by her family, and those who knew her.
      Praying for her family as they grasp the harsh reality of their precious loss, and may they all find comfort in each other and the LORD’s love.

      You are so welcome – I was honored to share an article of this special lady who touched countless lives in her days of earth.

      God Bless you Cora~

  3. I didn’t know Jennifer personally but have enjoyed many of her writings. In honor of her, Faithwriters pubished one of her recent devotionals, “Boast in Christ Alone.” It started out with “What matters is Christ.” That truly is a description of her heart and her writings.

    Thank you, CD, for your wonderful tribute to her.

    • Thanks Dale for your kind words about Jennifer. Yes, being a member of FW and know Mike and Bea for years – I knew he’d want to know about Jennifer’s untimely demise. He told me He was going to do that in her honor – place one of her past devotionals on the site. I think Jennifer would have appreciated that very much. Although, somehow, I believe she “knows it.”

      God Bless

  4. Jennifer has her reward.. looking into the face of the one she loved so much

    Maybe we can gather her writings onto a special page that can celebrate her life

    thanks Jennifer

    • Hello Keith,

      Thanks for your generous words about Jennifer – so true. She did love the LORD and showed it all the days of her life, faithfully.
      That’s a great thought concerning a special page honoring her. However, going forward -The good thing is – her writings will remain on and be read over and over on this site, and so many other sites she contributed to.

      God Bless~

  5. I would like to add my appreciation that Jennifer has lived and given so much to all of us who have shared her life in any way. I was a member of the Brisbane Valley Chaplaincy Committee but also a co-Christian worker at the Esk State School (RI teacher). Jennifer and I were friends and shared our experiences of life in and out of the school. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

    • Hello Jocelyn,
      Thank you for sharing your tender words and appreciation about Jennifer. She was a rare gem in a world of “coal.”
      She often spoke about the Chaplaincy Committee and the events you have attended.
      She touched so many lives – as you’ve said. How fortunate that you shared a friendship with her.
      God Bless you

  6. Thankyou Camille for your beautiful tribute to Jennifer . I am Joanne , Jennifer’s sister and she would often tell me of the encouragement your emails would bring her . What a special friendship you shared all the way across the ocean I am so thankful for her wonderful relationship with the Lord , knowing she is rejoicing with our Saviour and that in his perfect timing we shall be together again .

    • Dear Joanne,

      Thank you so much for your kind words. Jennifer spoke about you many times in our emails. My condolences on the loss of your precious sister, she was so special. We shared a wonderful connection, and I will treasure that for all my days here on earth. As you said, she is rejoicing with our Savior, and no more pain. Heaven got a little bit brighter with Jennifer residing there now.

      One day you will be reunited and never have to say goodbye again.

      Blessings to you and your family~

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