In 2020, tragedy struck the tight-knit faith community of Mobile, Alabama, when Prophetess Alisha Woodard, a beloved church leader, was shot by her estranged husband outside a church moments after delivering a sermon.
The man who pulled the trigger was Ulysses Woodard, a fellow pastor and father — and the man she had recently separated from.
What should have been a routine evening of worship at True Cornerstone Church turned into a harrowing scene of domestic violence that shocked congregants and devastated those who knew the couple.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the couple had been living apart for approximately two weeks. Alisha, who had just preached at the service, was approached afterward by Ulysses, who calmly asked another pastor, Derek Scott Gandy, if he could speak with her. Gandy, who considered Ulysses a friend, obliged — unaware that he was about to witness the unthinkable.
“I didn’t see this coming,” Gandy said later. “He wasn’t a monster, at least not that I’ve ever seen.”
What began as a tense but private conversation quickly escalated. Gandy, sensing the growing tension, offered to drive Alisha home but chose not to intervene further.
Moments later, Alisha screamed and ran toward Gandy’s vehicle for help — but Ulysses chased her, shot her in the chest, and fled the scene. Children standing nearby witnessed the gunfire.
Alisha was rushed to the hospital and miraculously survived her injuries. She became both a symbol of strength and a tragic reminder of the violence many women face, even within the walls of faith communities.
Police later found Ulysses in his vehicle in the same church parking lot. As officers approached, he shot himself, and his car crashed into the side of the church. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Survivor, A Prophetess, A Mother
Alisha’s survival became a symbol of resilience and faith, but the shooting left an indelible scar on the community. Described by fellow church members as a devoted woman of God, Alisha had long been a spiritual guide for many. In the months following the attack, the church community began conversations about relocating, hoping to heal from the physical and emotional trauma left behind.
Domestic violence advocates say the case underscores the silent suffering many women endure, even those in positions of public spiritual leadership.
“Too often, we ignore the warning signs, especially when the abuser is someone seen as a pillar in the community,” said one local advocate.
The case has also sparked calls for greater awareness of domestic violence in faith settings, where abuse is often hidden or minimized due to stigma or fear of damaging reputations.
Today, Alisha Woodard remains a symbol of survival and a reminder that even in sacred spaces, violence can hide in plain sight.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
