Latham – Rev. Sherwood “Woody” Elmer Carver, 84, of Latham, died Friday, January 20, 2017 after a period of declining health. Woody was born February 3, 1932 in NYC to the late Wells and Phyllis (Wheeler) Carver. His family moved to Hampden, MA in 1933 where he later attended Classical High School in Springfield, MA. He met his high school sweetheart, Carole Joyce Cassady, and they were married on June 27, 1953.

Woody attended UMass-Amherst where he majored in Psychology and Pre-Theology. He then received a Masters of Sacred Theology from Boston University School of Theology with a major of psychology and pastoral care. He was ordained as Deacon and Elder by the United Methodist Church in 1956 and became a full member of the Troy Conference in 1958. Rev. Carver served charges in the former Troy, New York Conference of the Methodist Churches between 1956 and 2009. He (along with Carole) received his first congregation assignment while still in school, at the Old Parish Church in Weston, VT. After graduating, he became pastor at the Hope United Methodist Church in Eagle Mills, NY. He was then asked to become youth pastor of the First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio with the stipulation that he would return to Troy Conference. After the birth of their two children, he was then privileged to help found the Faith United Methodist church in South Burlington, VT, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary. He later went on to First United Methodist Church in Gloversville, First United Methodist Church in Voorhesville, Calvary United Methodist Church in Latham, and Burnt Hills United Methodist Church. In 1989, The Capital Area Council of Churches presented Rev. Carver with the Outstanding Pastoral Ministry Award. After retiring in 1995, he became the Pastor of Visitation at the Delmar United Methodist Church until 2009. Woody was adored by many and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Woody is survived by his loving wife, Carole, his brother Richard (Gloria), his sister, Jan (Norma), his children, Diane (Dan) Kendall and David (Karen) Carver, his grandchildren, Mike and Kyle Kendall, and Jonathan and Sarah Carver, as well as by several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff, the nurses, and doctors of Albany Memorial for the extraordinary and dedicated care that they provided during Sherwood's month long care.

A funeral service will be held Friday, February 3, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Latham. A burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be provided to any of the churches where the Carvers have served (see below), or to a charity, or a faith group of one’s choice.

Old Parish Church, 644 Main St, Weston, VT 05161
First Community Church, South Campus, 1320 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus, Ohio 43212
Hope United Methodist Church, 566 Brunswick Rd, Troy, NY 12180
Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St, South Burlington, VT 05403
Foothills United Methodist Church, 17 Fremont St, Gloversville, NY 12078
First United Methodist Church, 66 Maple Avenue Voorheesville, NY 12186
Calvary United Methodist Church, 15 Ridge Pl, Latham, NY 12110
Burnt Hills United Methodist Church, 816 Route 50, Burnt Hills, NY 12027
Delmar First United Methodist Church, 428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar, NY 12054

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