Leah Ann Woods, 57, of Chesapeake Beach, MD, passed away on January 7, 2025 after an 18 month battle with cancer.

Leah was born on May 2, 1967 to Ruth Huff Woods and Luther Lee Woods in Heidelberg, Germany. She was raised an Army "brat" rotating through her father's duty stations in California, Kansas, Texas, and lastly Maryland, where she finished secondary school and made Maryland her home. After Leah graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in 1985, she went on to study Music Education at University of Maryland. She furthered her education by receiving her Masters of Arts in Worship Studies and Doctorate of Worship Studies from Liberty University.

After graduating from University of Maryland, she started her first job in the church at Oxon Hill Lutheran Church as an organist and choir director, kickstarting a 35 year career in music worship. She went on to be the organist, choir director and praise team leader at First Lutheran Church in Sunderland, MD, followed by the Director of Music Ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church in Prince Frederick, MD. She worked at Trinity until her move to Fredericksburg, VA in August 2023 to work as the lead music teacher at the Nysmith School in Herndon, VA. Leah was also a beloved piano teacher and will be missed by the many students and families she worked with over the years.

Leah was an avid reader, musician, and artist. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother and grandmother. Leah was dedicated to playing worship music, caring for her friends and family, and building community wherever she went. Now that she has passed into the arms of our Lord, her physical life on earth is over but it is the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for her.

Leah is joining her father Luther Woods and daughter Abi Maloney in heaven. She is survived by her mother, Ruth Woods, brother, Luke Woods, daughters, Amanda Weber and Anna Maloney, and grandchildren, Luke and Sophia Weber.

The family has opted for a private burial and will be hosting a Celebration of Life in May 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Casey House in Rockville, MD.