I met Jodi many years ago when I taught her oldest child Ava Mei at Simpson Elementary. Ava Mei was a standout student and seemed so wise for her age. After meeting Jodi, I saw exactly where she got those qualities.

A couple of years later Jodi started teaching at Simpson and was instantly a favorite among staff, students and parents. Even then it was evident how strong her faith was.

Several years later, not long after losing my son to cancer, I began looking for a new teaching job in a Christian school. Jodi, who had been such an encourager and often checked in on me during my son's battle, suggested applying at Cornerstone. She had recently accepted a position there and as things worked out, we were once again co-workers.

Jodi, I shared some of the following with you recently, but it bears repeating. I miss seeing you across the hall, and I especially miss hearing your laugh. You have such a great sense of humor and you always "kept it real." I'm honored to have taught all of your wonderful children, and I continue to be amazed at what a fabulous mom you are. 

You are an amazing person Jodi. I'm honored to be your friend and so thankful that you're a sister in Christ.

I love you,

Jon Bullock

Jodi,

Oh, friend—I don't even remember how we met—since our family has been in Peachtree Corners, you and your family have always been woven beautifully into our community and lives.  You have been my neighbor, my friend, my childrens' teacher, my student's mom, my swim team guru, the mom of our favorite swim coach, and most definitely, my personal style icon. 

My earliest memories are chatting on adjacent ellipticals at the Y for over an hour, barely knowing each other, but probably just grateful Miss Eloise down in the childcare center was in charge for a little bit!  I remember chatting at the pool before Bob and Henry came home.and you pushing that big double stroller around Amberfield shortly after, always with that beautiful smile.  

Like the others, though, most my vivid memories of our moments together involve conversations with depth and significance and you taking care of business!  I'll never forget you and Jordan cleaning that mess of a third grade classroom you inherited mid-year like the superwomen you are—and then loving that little pack of third graders with all their drama so well.  All while single-handedly taking over the swim team later that spring.  You confessed on a school bus ride to Fernbank that you were weary, but you never missed a beat. You showed up for everyone and everything as you always do.  

And I remember the excitement we secretly shared when I learned that you had accepted a job at Cornerstone, the school so dear to me.  I couldn't decide who was getting a better deal, you or the school!  And while you are so much more than a teacher, I echo the sentiments of our colleagues that professionally, I always appreciated the high standards you set for our students, my own children especially.  

Our conversations about hard things over the years usually left me feeling understood, enlightened, and encouraged.  You have a knack for crawling down in the pit and wallowing with a friend, but bringing that huge faith, optimism and smile along, too. 

And, so friend, I am spending these days praying fervently that even in this pit, that huge faith is sustaining you. That your huge optimism is not forsaking you so that even for a moment you doubt how very BIG our God is. How very in control He is and how very securely He is holding you, Dave, Ava Mei, Bob, Henry, and the countless others that love you so.  

The huge smile that says so much about who you are doesn't seem to have waned.  I know that it won't because it has been imprinted on so many hearts, including mine. I love you, friend.

Jodi,

One of my favorite memories with you was ziplining at the first retreat you attended with our students. Your energy and zest for life was right up my alley, and we were fast friends. I had no idea then how God would use you in my life. You are inspiring, genuine, and loyal. If I was fired up about something, you'd be right there in my corner. If I was passionate about a new idea, you'd be right there cheering me on. We've shared countless laughs and tears through our few years teaching alongside one another. I loved sharing a classroom wall with you, friend. I loved being your carpool partner, your teammate, the reciever of your awesome bear hugs, and your sister in Christ. Your faith and strength in our Lord inspires me the most. Our go to phrase, "we can do hard things", got me through some hard days. Being on yours and Stacey's teaching team was a dream; you're the sisters I never had. Thank you for impacting my life, dear friend. I am forever grateful.

Jodi,

I have had the honor of knowing you as a teacher and as a friend. You love others so well and you have the ability to manage so many complex roles with ease. You spent hours preparing each lesson and then somehow managed to pour all that you had into your family. Thank you for showing us all that hard things can be done. 

Your grace, grit and style are one of a kind. I thank God for you and love you so much!

Dear Jodi,

I have been in education for about 30 years, and during that time I have worked alongside, supervised, and taught hundreds of teachers: some bad, most pretty good, and a relative handful who were special. You are definitely in that final category, and shine even among the best. I recall telling you on several occasions that I wish my own kids had had the privilege of having you as a teacher, and I can't give you a higher professional compliment than that. You knew your subject, prepared meticulously, and did great projects like leading your students to turn your room into the galaxy for the lower school kids to tour. Perhaps most importantly, you had high expectations of your students, and loved them enough to hold them to your standards.

The expectations you had for your students, while important, only hint at what really characterizes you as a woman and child of God. I believe your standards originate in your faith that we are all created in God's image, and are therefore called to do our best to live up to His design for us. You saw your students, all of them, as capable of giving their best, and you demanded it of them because you cared. 

God instructs us to love others as we love ourselves, and you certainly did so. How do I know? Because you held yourself and your own, beloved, children to those same standards. I never walked by your room without seeing the students busily engaged in learning, and you leading them. I never corrected your own kids (Hey, Ava Mei. Hey, Bob. Hey, Henry. Love y'all.) without you and/or Dave thanking me for doing so. You want the best from yourself and your own, just as you did from your students.

But your sharing knowledge, love, and a dry wit with middle schoolers is not the sum of who you are. To quote the late, great, C.S. Lewis: "Who will give me words?" I'm afraid they don't exist, because I am now contemplating how to describe the example you and Dave have set. The love for one another, and faith in Christ, from both of you defies description. I am certainly unequal to the task. But please know, and take what comfort you may, from the fact that your marriage and your mutual trust in God is an inspiration to all who know you. The respect and admiration you showed for each other, under the lordship of Christ, is beautiful to behold. May we all pay attention to your example, and may God bless you with a peace that surpasses all understanding, my friend and sister in Christ.

Jodi,

The first time we met, I was prepping my room before our first year at Cornerstone when a beautiful, energetic smiling face popped in my door.  We immediately hit it off! I was in your house 2 days later with Ava Mei picking out her favorite books to give me for my classroom library.  From day one you've been generous with your resources, your listening ear, your wisdom, and your time.  Being on a team with you and Katie was absolutely the best professional and one of the best personal experiences I've ever had.  You have taught me so much about honesty, courage, and facing things head on.  You also helped me to loosen up a little (ok, very little, but still some!). Some of my favorite moments have been with you and Katie laughing hysterically behind closed classroom doors! You are always bright sunshine.  You have been my role model as a teacher, a parent, a friend, a wife, and a Christian woman. You put 110% into everything you do. You are an inspiration.  I am eternally grateful that God has intertwined our paths for the short time we've been friends.  I know without a doubt that I am a better, stronger person because of you.

I love you so much, Jodi.

Jodi,

I loved having you as a colleague here at Cornerstone, and I am so thankful you were my son's teacher. A memory that I will cherish was when we went to a conference together. The conference was insightful, and we were able to tour the replica of Noah's Ark. Noah faithfully followed and obeyed God. Every detail of the ark was truly a remarkable sight that showcased Noah's obedience and God's ability to do amazing things. It also reminds us of a forgiving God. Jodi, you have chosen to love, trust, forgive, and have such grace as He gives to us and as we saw in the story of Noah. I'm so thankful for our friendship.

Deanna

Jodi,

Your "Rock Star" status was earned the first few times I saw how incredibly stylish and put together you were while raising three kids and working full time!  Every mom wants to be like Jodi McMahon!  But, what truly sets you apart is your genuine smile, warmth and honesty. I love being in your presence, and I am thankful for our time together at Cornerstone. You continue to show me what it means to have a faith that is unbreakable and an immense amount of courage. You are loved and admired for so many reasons!

Love,
Kim

Jodi,

What a blessing it was to work with you! I vividly remember that first summer when we were at school getting our classrooms ready. My first impression was that you had a great sense of style. You seemed to effortlessly transform your room into a comfortable, inviting space. I quickly saw that same attention to detail in the way you presented yourself each day. Your trendy shoes, cute outfits and perfect accessories were only outshone by your beautiful smile.

I admire you as a teacher. It was evident that you loved your students through holding them accountable and by providing fun learning experiences like the Interactive Space Museum. Then there was the DC Trip. What a treat it was for Ava Mei's class to have you as a chaperone. Those students loved getting to spend that time with you.

This picture makes me smile. You were cheering on and encouraging your students in Tug of War, but still rocking the cute shoes and accessories even on House Games day. :)

I am so grateful to know you as a sister in Christ. Your warm and caring spirit and your ability to add humor to most any situation brought many of us much joy. I know your faith will sustain you as you lean on Him for every detail.

Jodi,

You are authentic, dynamic, understanding, a great listener, thoughtful and analytical, fun and friendly. I think the first time I met you was at Sonia Lee's house, and I was struck by your quick, self-deprecating humor and "keeping it real" personality. We bonded about being adoptive parents and educators. Little did I know that in a few years you would join me at Cornerstone where I would teach two of your children and you would teach mine.

I enjoy our conversations and how honest you are in sharing struggles and also looking to the Lord for guidance and peace. I am glad to have walked with you and plan to again when all our tears are gone and there will be no more sorrow. By God's grace, you are a light, and I am inspired and grateful for your faith filled walk these past months.

Much love, Helen