Harriet Walton Woodward, 79, of Covington, died Saturday, August 2, 2025 at LewisGale Hospital – Alleghany in Low Moor.

She was born October 3, 1945, in Miami, FL, a daughter of the late Harry A. Walton, Jr. and Virginia Robinson Walton and also was preceded in death by Joseph R. Asbury and Charles A. Nuckols, Jr.

Harriet devoted her life to serving the Alleghany Highlands community, beginning with a distinguished career in social services. From 1974 to 1976, she served as Director of the Bath County Department of Social Services, followed by a long tenure at the Alleghany-Covington Department of Social Services from 1976 to 2010, where she advocated for and protected families. She also contributed to the Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Institute for Social Services Training Activities (VCU-VISSTA) and served as President of the Total Action for Progress (TAP) Board from 2011 to 2013. A faithful member of Parrish Court United Methodist Church, she served on the mission board, supporting outreach and care.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Concord University and post graduate work at the Univeristy of Missouri and J.M.U.  Her leadership extended as President of the Alleghany Highlands Kiwanis Club from 2009 to 2010. She further enriched the community through service on the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board and its Youth Council, the Christmas Mother Committee, the Special Olympics of Virginia Board, the Mountain Gateway Community College Board, the Alleghany Highlands Safehome Systems Board, and the Alleghany Highlands Free Clinic Board. Recognized as the National Association of Social Workers Virginia Chapter Public Citizen of the Year and the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Virginia Woman of the Year, her contributions were deeply valued, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and service.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Donald C. Woodward of Covington, whom she married December 28, 2002; two daughters, Kate Waller and her husband, Scott, of Richmond and Beth Cichoski and her husband, Rich, of Morgantown, WV; an honorary son, Jeff Wutzke of Mill Valley, Ca.; two step-daughters, Dr. Jennifer Riggleman and her husband, Phil of Beverly, WV, and Meg Hodge of Rocky Mount; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Lamb, Sydney Chenault, Katie Waller, Josie Chenault, Hayden Witter and Amelia Witter; three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Jeanne Bradley of Reston, Carol Walton of Roanoke, Mary (Dale) Stevens of Lake County, FL and Dawn (Ron) Wilson of Covington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Greg Kropff officiating. The family will receive their friends from 1:00 PM until service time on Thursday at the funeral home.

Following the service and in keeping with her wishes, her body will be cremated.

Arritt Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to: The Alleghany Highlands Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 902, Covington, VA, 24426; or to Total Action for Progress (TAP) 118 S Lexington Ave., Covington, VA 24426.

Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.