A'da Alison Woolfolk's Obituary
A’da Alison Woolfolk was born on November 3, 1971, her birth eagerly anticipated by her parents, Leonard and Geraldine Woolfolk and her brothers Leonard Kimara and Aaron Woolfolk. She was the girl they and the rest of her large extended family had all been hoping for. Growing up, her home was full of music. Educational pursuits, travel, spiritual development, philanthropy, and diverse cultural activities were emphasized. The children were always taught the sacrifices, wisdom, and hopes of the ancestors on whose shoulders they rested.
A’da was educated in Oakland Public Schools: Sequoia Elementary School (where she developed a life-long love of acting and stage performances), Bret Harte Junior High School, and Skyline High School. Her long-held dream was to immediately attend New York University (NYU) as an undergraduate, but it took her parents a little while to agree to that. In the meantime, she took classes at Chabot College in Hayward and studied at the American Conservatory Theatre Summer Program in San Francisco. Her family eventually let her go to NYU where she studied before deciding that the State University of New York (SUNY) at Purchase offered more of what she wanted at a lesser cost. A’da finished her undergraduate studies there, graduating with honors with a dual degree in English and Performing Arts.
A’da was a teacher for a short time and was excited about sharing knowledge. But her first love was always acting. Over the years, she took numerous professional development classes and workshops to hone her skills. She appeared in several roles and enjoyed each second of being on stage or before a camera. She loved to travel and did so extensively, both domestically and internationally. Passionate in her beliefs, she always maintained a keen sense of humor. She was loyal, hopeful, steadfast, sensitive, and determined. She maintained high standards, not only in others, but in herself. And yes, she was unabashedly “Bougie,” a label she proudly claimed and celebrated.
On November 23, 2022, A’da’s dazzling lights began to flicker, and by November 27, 2022, they were extinguished. But that is not the end of A’da’s life story, for as long as we say her name; smile when we see tulips, puppies or butterflies; fight for justice for all people; and uplift humanity, she will live on.
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