Judy Woodruff’s Parents: William H. Woodruff and Anna Lee Woodruff
Behind Judy Woodruff’s accomplished career lie her supportive and loving parents, William H. Woodruff and Anna Lee Woodruff. William, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer, served his country with honor and dedication. Tragically, he passed away in 1986, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of his family.
Anna Lee Woodruff, Judy’s mother, led an eventful life filled with adventure and love. Born as Anna Lee Payne on May 16, 1923, in Springfield, Missouri, she was the daughter of Lela Payne Crow and Carl Payne.
After marrying William H. Woodruff, Anna Lee accompanied him on his military assignments across different locations, including Oklahoma, Germany, Missouri, New Jersey, and Taiwan. Their travels finally brought them to Augusta, Georgia, in 1958, where they settled.
Sadly, Anna Lee Woodruff passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2013, at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, following a brief illness. Her life was marked by resilience and support for her family, and her passing left an indelible void. The memories of William H. Woodruff and Anna Lee Woodruff continue to resonate within Judy Woodruff, shaping her values and determination.
Judy Woodruff: A Trailblazing American Broadcast Journalist
Judy Carline Woodruff, born on November 20, 1946, is a highly respected American broadcast journalist with an illustrious career spanning over four decades.
Throughout her extensive tenure in network, cable, and public television news, Woodruff has made significant contributions to journalism, covering a wide range of important events and interviewing influential figures.
This article explores Woodruff’s remarkable journey, from her early life and education to her notable accomplishments in the field of journalism.
Additionally, it provides information about her parents, William H. Woodruff and Anna Lee Woodruff, shedding light on their lives and their connection to Judy.
Early Life and Education
Woodruff was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the daughter of William H. Woodruff and Anna Lee Woodruff. Her father, a chief warrant officer in the Army, served his country with distinction.
Growing up as an army brat, Woodruff experienced the transient nature of military life, attending seven different schools between kindergarten and seventh grade.
Her family relocated several times, from Oklahoma to Germany, Missouri, New Jersey, and Taiwan, before settling in the Augusta, Georgia, area when her father was stationed at Fort Gordon.
Woodruff completed her high school education at the Academy of Richmond County in Augusta. During her time there, she participated in the Young Miss Augusta beauty pageant, emerging as the winner in 1963.
Following her graduation, Woodruff embarked on her higher education journey, initially enrolling at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1964. She initially pursued a degree in mathematics but discovered her passion for politics through an inspiring political science teacher at Meredith.
After two years at Meredith College, Woodruff transferred to Duke University in 1966. She actively engaged in student government and joined the Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
While at Duke, Woodruff interned for Georgia Representative Robert Grier Stephens Jr. during two summers, gaining valuable exposure to the world of politics.
Despite encountering discouragement due to the treatment of women in Washington, D.C., she decided to pursue a career in journalism during her senior year.
In 1968, Woodruff graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Her dedication and commitment to her alma mater were evident in her service on Duke’s board of trustees from 1985 to 1997.
Woodruff received an honorary degree (DHL) from Duke in 1998, along with honorary degrees from the University of Scranton in 1991 and the University of Pennsylvania (LL.D.) in 2005.
Career in Journalism
Following her graduation, Woodruff embarked on a successful career in broadcast journalism. She started her journey in local television news in Atlanta, Georgia, before making a significant leap to the national stage.
In 1976, Woodruff joined NBC News as the White House correspondent, a position she held for six years. During her time at NBC, she covered every presidential election and convention since 1976, cementing her reputation as a knowledgeable and experienced journalist.
In 1982, Woodruff joined PBS, specifically the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour (later known as the PBS NewsHour). She served as a White House correspondent for the program while also hosting another show.
In 1993, she transitioned to CNN, co-hosting Inside Politics and CNN WorldView with Bernard Shaw. Her tenure at CNN lasted until 2005 when she decided to return to PBS and the NewsHour.
In 2013, Woodruff and Gwen Ifill were named the official anchors of the PBS NewsHour, taking over from the program’s founding presenter, Jim Lehrer. Woodruff and Ifill shared the responsibilities of managing newsgathering until Ifill’s untimely death in 2016. Subsequently, Woodruff assumed the role of the NewsHour’s sole main presenter.
Throughout her career, Woodruff has conducted interviews with numerous heads of state and moderated U.S. presidential debates, contributing to the political discourse of the nation.
Her dedication to delivering comprehensive news coverage has earned her widespread admiration and respect in the field of journalism. However, in May 2022, Woodruff announced her decision to step down as the anchor of the NewsHour, with her final day in that role being December 30, 2022.
Conclusion
Judy Woodruff’s journey as an American broadcast journalist has left an indelible mark on the field of journalism. From her humble beginnings as an army brat to her distinguished career covering major political events, Woodruff has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering news of utmost importance to the public.
Her extensive experience, including interviews with world leaders and her role as a moderator in U.S. presidential debates, showcases her professionalism and dedication.
Behind her accomplishments stand her parents, William H. Woodruff and Anna Lee Woodruff, who provided love and support throughout her life. As Judy Woodruff continues to inspire others with her remarkable career, her parents’ legacy remains an integral part of her story.
