Dear Mrs. MacMahon,

I remember when I was at Simpson, and we would walk down the hallways and I would see how nicely your room was decorated, and I was jealous I wasn't in your class. When I came to Cornerstone I was so excited to have you as my teacher. You really made learning science fun and entertaining, and I'm so happy I got to be in your class. I am praying for you and sending my love.

Alyssa Soto

Dear Jodi,

Many years ago, Scott and I were eating at Jason's Deli when we noticed you, Dave, and baby "Mei Mei" in a nearby booth. We approached you to introduce ourselves, saying, "We have an Asian baby girl also!" A pleasant surprise was that we lived in the same neighborhood. We shared many playdates with the girls and tender conversations about our daughters, always focused on how we could best support them in their unique journeys as transracial adoptees. You and I have checked in with one another as they were growing up to compare notes on how our beloved girls were adjusting, thriving, and sometimes struggling. After Bridget was the victim of a terrible hate speech incident during COVID, you were one of the first people I reached out to for comfort and understanding. Jodi, you are a hard-working, thoughtful, and tenacious mother who would do anything for her children. Your great love and true grit are unforgettable! Everything will be OK, sweet friend.

Love, Chris Salter

Jodi,

The first time we met was down from our house on Edgerton near the woods -someone's car had stalled and you were trying to help them.  I was walking my dog and we introduced ourselves.  You only lived across the street from us and behind one house, and we had never met.  Although we haven't spent a lot of time together recently, every time we ran into each other, we chatted.

One of my fondest memories was running into you and Dave at J Alexander's and sitting with you at the bar.  You pulled a bottle of wine out of your purse and the server brought you 2 glasses. You told me you could do that, and they didn't charge for the first corking, but if you wanted a second one.  We started doing that once in a while - so thank you!

Another fond memory is at the Light up the Corners Race a few years ago - our kids and grandkids came for the race, and you took a picture of all of us.  I was so happy to introduce you to my family.

I have so many wonderful memories of you Jodi. We are praying for you and your beautiful family.

Love Judy

Dear Mrs. McMahon, 

I absolutely loved having you as my 6th grade science teacher. You made every single class so fun and exciting and made me love coming to class everyday. You were such an amazing teacher! I have been and will continue to keep praying for you and your family. Thank you for having such an impact in my life!

Love, 
Avery Voss

Blessings friend!  
Thinking of you today and sending you love beyond what words can describe!  

His word reminds us, how powerful it is when God speaks through the silence...So grateful - He has called you by name, Warrior!  I love you and am praying for you.  

Love you today and always!
Brandi 

Jodi and I met in 1998 when she first came to Atlanta for a job interview.  We both attended the School of Education at the University of Michigan, but I was one year ahead of her.  We didn't know each other at school, but we had mutual friends.  By the summer of 98, there were a group of five UM grad teachers living in Atlanta, and we were a great support system for each other.  Jodi eventually got me a job at Oak Grove (the school she interviewed at when visiting me years before) in 2002 and we taught together for several years.  Along with our friends and eventual spouses, we went to weddings together, played tennis (and won TWO ALTA city finals), traveled to run marathons (I was the cheerleader!), visited Shannon and Emma in Germany, celebrated birthdays and eventually had children around the same time.  In fact, my daughter Anna was born while Jodi, Dave and her parents were in China to bring Ava Mei home.  I remember saying goodbye to her before they left and us laughing that, "When you get home, we'll both be moms!" We were close friends during an important and fun time of our lives.  I will cherish the memories of those years.

Mrs. McMahon, 

I remember walking into your classroom on the first day of 6th grade and knowing right away that I could depend on having a good time in your class. I was so lucky to have you for both homeroom and science. I loved all of the fun projects you came up with and the ways you worked to make class fun every day. You truly cared about every single one of us. Even during quarantine, your labs and activities made my day more exciting. You shaped me as a student and a person, and continued to inspire me and other students throughout middle school and into high school. You have touched lives in so many ways, and I am so grateful for you. 

Love, 
Katherine Beck

Ms. Jodi, 

There are undoubtedly a million and one things I could thank you for. You always welcomed me into your home with joyful noise rattling between the walls. I have such fond memories rolling down the multi-colored, plastic roller coaster set up in the backyard and watching my dad and Mr. Dave try to figure out how to fry a turkey in the driveway. I was so grateful I had a second home just 220 feet away from my own. You also raised the younger sister I always dreamt of having, who I am so thankful you let me drive to school everyday. I cannot imagine my life without Ava Mei, and I can always see you in her through her never-ending kindness and love for Christ. 

Ironically, I think the thing I am most thankful for were the ramen noodles you served to me in pink plastic bowls with straws built in, because every time I open a pack I get the pleasure of thinking of you. Fortunately, I am sure this will be a very common occurrence as I go into college. 

You are such a light on Treaddur Bay and the best neighbor and mentor I could've ever asked for. To know you is to love you. Thank you for everything.
Love, Wheesy 

Jodi,

Thank you for the amazing impact you made on Charlie! Teaching is a gift and what a blessing it was to have you as a teacher.  You made science challenging, interesting and fun for Charlie. You taught her to give her best, dig deeper and to explore the possibilities.  Well into our second semester without you at Cornerstone, and I still hear your name on a regular basis.  Your science teaching shoes are hard to fill!  I don't know God's plan for you but in our house you will forever remain one our favorite teachers. Thank you for everything.  We are praying for you and your family.  Much love from us all.

Jodi, 

The first memory I have of you was parent's night when you were the "new" science teacher and Patrick was in your class. All of the parents who didn't already know were curious to see how you would be. I remember being very impressed with your presentation. You walked up on the stage in FDH, of course looking adorable and stylish, and said all the right things. It was obvious you were passionate about science and you were so excited to be teaching at Cornerstone. You said that you wanted the kids to know that mistakes were ok in your class and that it was a safe space. Throughout your time at Cornerstone, you wound up teaching 3 of my boys. I remember how enjoyable our teacher conference was when Charlie was in your homeroom. We sat in Kevin's office and shared stories of raising twin boys. Remember when you sent an email to the staff entitled "devotion" and I mistakenly thought the subject was "demerit" and opened your email expecting to see "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Stephens"... Whew! I was so happy to have misread that, as I repeatedly told all of you middle school teachers that I don't know how you do it! My heart breaks for what you and your family are going through. It's unreal and unfair. I am praying for you daily. Please know that even in this unimaginable time, you are shining your light and leading others to Jesus by remaining strong in your faith. May His peace continue to be with you. 

Love, Wendy