Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Nearly sixteen years later, and I still find myself thinking about and talking about the amazing person that Martha was. That’s how extraordinary the impact was that she made on other people lives.

Til we meet again, my friend.

Kelsey Benoit
Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department

August 18, 2024

I woke up this morning thinking about Martha Woods-Shareef. Tomorrow marks the 13th anniversary of her passing.

I’m reminded of what an amazing woman she was. Always having a kind word for everyone, friend and stranger alike, Martha exemplified the meaning of public service. I have always said that she ‘spoke softly and carried a big stick’. She was a stickler about doing her job, and I liken her to a train conductor. Dealing with Martha, you quickly learned that her decisions weren’t based on democracy. You either caught the train or caught the gate.

She knew how to deal with people, and she touched many lives during her years. You don’t find many LEO’s these days who demand and receive the amount of respect that Martha demanded and received.

I recall one time after a fight had occurred between a brother and a sister in my neighborhood, she responded to the call. It was a serious fight that turned physical, but Martha saw the bigger picture when she showed up. She sat them both down at the kitchen table and told them that she wasn’t gonna arrest anyone because they would post bond and be drinking coffee together again the next morning like nothing happened. She explained ‘loyalty’ to them and explained that family has to stick together and not fight, and she made them hug and told them to behave. It was moments like that where Martha’s legacy was created and defined.

Kelsey Benoit
Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department

August 19, 2021

It’s not how she died that made her a hero, it’s how she lived. Those words couldn’t be more true when spoken about Martha Woods.

Strong, bold, personable, compassionate, fair, understanding — Martha was all those things.

Miss you, ma’am!

Kelsey Benoit
Friend

July 7, 2021

Martha was not only my cousin, but an influential person for me and many others. She was a woman of morals and values and she treated all peoples the same. Miss you and love you. Rest easy Martha!

Brandon M. Queen
Juvenile Detective #1816

October 18, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 20, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Shareef.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 19, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Woods-Sharif,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Lafourche Parish. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 20, 2018

Rest In Peace Sister in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 20, 2018

Martha was loved in her community and she loved it even more. I worked with Martha on the street and in DARE. No one could ever say she was not committed, devoted, and believed in what she did. She will forever be missed by those who knew her.

Captain Lafate Elliott Day, Jr.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office
Regional Training Academy Director

January 26, 2018

Martha was not only a wonderful Deputy but she was a wonderful person to know. She is missed tremendously by everyone that worked with and knew her.

Clerk Sharon Lacomb
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

August 21, 2016

Martha is my cousin. A very kind hearted lady who tirelessly gave her time and service!!

Deputy Brandon Queen
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

June 1, 2016

Deputy Woods was my cousin! She was full of fun and life. A great person to have in your presence! She knew how to light up a room!! She is resting in arms of God!!

Corrections Officer Brandon Queen
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

October 6, 2015

I had a fellow female officer killed in the same manner many years ago. this is just awful. My prayers and condolences go out to the family.

She is resting in the arms of God.

Phyllis Mddleton
Retired Deputy - Pueblo County, CO

May 13, 2015

she was the nicest lady I ever meet. She help me so many time when I was in need and when I need advise.

nicole legendre
a friend in the Junior explorer group

May 19, 2013

I am deeply saddend when i hear stories of these kinds stories like this, THANKS Deputy Woods

Trooper R. Johnson
South Dakota Highway Patrol

September 29, 2011

Deputy Wood taught me D.A.R.E. from 5th grade to 8th grade and she was amazing. I enjoyed having her as my teacher. R.I.P. Deputy Woods.

Dallas Verdon
Student

August 11, 2011

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

August 20, 2010

I had the distinct pleasure and honor of knowing Martha and working with her through the detention center in Thibodaux. She always had a vibrant smile and a friendly word. She will never be forgotten. I thank her for her courageous duty in protecting all of us. My thoughts are always with the family. She was a wonderful lady and I am lucky to have known her.

Lesle C. "Texas"
Former Co-Worker

April 29, 2010

Always remembered & honored 4 her service & her ultimate sacrifice.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEOs

February 24, 2010

Its been a year deputy, and you are still a hero. The ultimate sacrifice never goes unforgotten...

Rest in Peace Deputy

James Clendening
Glades County Sheriff's Office, FL

August 20, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. You have not been forgotten. Keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 20, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

To her husband, daughter, and her other loved ones: I share your anquish in losing a beloved family member which I believe is life's greatest sorrow. Time never diminishes love. You are in my heart's embrace today. May God grant you solace.

Rest In Peace, Martha.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 20, 2009

To Deputy Martha Ann Woods-Shareef, her family and her fellow officers with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Deputy Woods-Shareef’s tragic death and we honor her for her valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Deputy Woods-Shareef and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

August 20, 2009

Momma

You were a tough parent through 24yrs of my life but through the years you've taught me how to love, be respectful, and how to go to God through good and bad times.
I remember my wedding day like it was yesterday. You worked just got off @ 5am and never got a wink a sleep but you made my day such a memorable one everything was beautiful. I love you and I'll miss you til we meet again

Your Daughter
Marci

Marsiah Conner
Daughter

May 22, 2009

Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 11, 2009