A leader in children's medicine and assistant professor of pediatrics at the School of Medicine, Sophie Jan Womack, M.D., died February 17, 2008, of complications from surgery. She was 53.
A Detroit resident, Dr. Womack was a tireless proponent of children's health and safety throughout her career and through her volunteer efforts, including The Coalition Inc. - Circle of Hope, which she formed with her husband, the Rev. Dr. Jimmy Womack.
Dr. Womack served as vice president of medical affairs for Harper University Hospital and Hutzel Women's Hospital, and was a former division chief of neonatology at Sinai-Grace Hospital. In 2005 Dr. Womack received the Pathfinders in Medicine Award from the School of Medicine - an honor given to individuals who have demonstrated great leadership and advanced the quality and availability of medicine.
Dr. Womack, was elected the first black female president of the Wayne County Medical Society of Michigan. She was the third woman and the first African-American woman to be elected president of the 157-year-old organization. She worked within the society to build coalitions and to discuss the critical issues that affect the physicians and patients in the region. She gave special attention to addressing the financial barriers that keep many eligible students from receiving a medical education.
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, she graduated from Howard University and Meharry Medical College. She received her master's degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
The Womacks have two daughters -- 21-year-old Brandi and 20-year-old Ashley. She is also survived by four sisters and a brother, and her mother, Irene Thompson.
Funeral arrangements: 2-9 p.m. February 20, at Swanson's Funeral Home, 14751 McNichols, Detroit; noon-8 p.m. Thursday February 21, at Plymouth United Church of Christ, 600 E. Warren, Detroit, and 10 a.m. family hour with funeral at 11 a.m. February 22, at Plymouth United Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Coalition Inc., 2310 W. McNichols, Detroit 48221.