Woodrow W. Whidden

Woodrow Whidden, 81, passed peacefully at home in Berrien Springs, Michigan, on November 11, beside his loving wife, Margaret, after a full life.

Known for his big voice, rich southern drawl, humor and a vocabulary filled with obscure words and sayings, Woody enjoyed long conversations with friends, family and anyone he met.

Born in Orlando, Florida to Woodrow and Helen Whidden, he grew up in Titusville. From a young age, he worked as a bee keeper alongside his father and brothers, supplying honey and royal jelly to visitors at the family’s roadside stand on Old US 1.

He attended Titusville High School before graduating from Forest Lake Academy, Apopka, Florida, 1963; Southern Missionary College, Collegedale, Tennessee, 1967; and Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, 1969, where he met the love of his life.

Woody married Margaret Gibbs on October 26, 1969. As their family grew, he served as the pastor of SDA churches in Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Michigan before earning his PhD from Drew University, 1989.

In 1990 he began his tenure at Andrews University as Professor of Religion and in 2006 at AIIAS Theological Seminary, Philippines, capping his career as an author, teacher and scholar.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; 3 children Jamie, Jonathan (Zelda), and Laura Wetterlin (Cory); 6 grandchildren; brothers Ivan (Phyllis) and Phillip; sister Sylvia. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald.

A public memorial service will be held on December 5, 2025, at 1:00pm at Pioneer Memorial Church, Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, Michigan.