Naaman Johnson Woodland, Jr.

I became acquainted with Naaman and Mary through Beaumont Civic Opera and Beaumont Interfaith Choral Society some 50-odd years ago when I was fresh out of high school and entering Lamar. Naaman also taught me in American history and an arts colloquy course. In subsequent years, I take great pride that he and Mary regarded me as a friend. Among his many accomplishments, he took pride in having sung Brahms's German Requiem under the baton of the great Bruno Walter (who knew Brahms) at Northwestern, and not many people know that Naaman was also a very talented painter and had three of his paintings exhibited a few years ago along with works of other artists of local fame at AMSET. There is just no end to his accomplishments and to the immeasurable contribution he and Mary made to the artistic, cultural, and intellectual life of this community. My fondest memory of him on stage will always be in the number from The Merry Widow, with BCO, where he sang and danced with Richard Foret and Dr. Emmons! Farewell to a unique, kind, brilliant and dedicated soul, with a wonderful sense of humor!

Dearest Mary, Rebecca, Philip and all your loved ones,
Patsy and I are greatly saddened today to read of the loss of Naaman.....our friend for many, many years; fellow singer, great man and such a gentleman...regardless of age or condition of health, we are never ready to give up one of our loved ones...please know that our prayers and thoughts are with each of you at this very sad time of your lives...God knows who you are, he knows where you are and he knows your needs each day, so call on him...line is open 24/7 and you will never get a busy signal...regret not in Beaumont for funeral but know we will be thinking of you...with our love, R. O & Patsy Williams

My deepest sympathy to the family.

Mary, Rebecca and Phillip, I am so sorry for your loss. What
a great legacy he leaves for you. I have such fond memories of Naaman and your whole family- neighbor, friend, ballet, opera, professor. May the Lord bless you and keep you all.

Please accept my sincerest condolences on Mr. Woodland's passing. He was both an engaging professor of history as well as a tireless supporter of the arts. His was the only class in which I heard the question, "Now where are my music majors?" He will be missed in both the academic and arts communities.

I'm so sorry to hear of his loss. I was one of his students in the first Honors Program at Lamar and babysat his and Mary's children Rebecca and Philip for several years when they were small. They were a lovely family. I admired both Naaman and Mary, both talented people. My prayers are with your family.
Kathy Johnson Young
Lamar '67

The Woodland Family,

Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for you all. Naaman was one of the kindest people we've known. He was my kindred spirit in our love for Geneaolgy. I was honored that he was interested in my research as well as willing to share his years of experience and research with me.

It's amazing that he was Keith's History Professor so many years ago and then became family.

Your presence in our lives has been such a blessing! We will miss you Naaman!

Prayers and deepest sympathy.

Naaman was an exceptional person. He gave so much to Lamar University and First United Methodist Church. Mary, Rebecca and Phillip--- you are in our prayers.

We have somany wonderful memories of Naaman through the years. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.