Sweet Jodi,

You helped me during a busy time in my life. Carsen loved the time she got to go home with you after preschool to play with your boys until I could get her after work. Your smile and beautiful soul light up the room. Cancer sucks! Prayers sweet lady!! 

Sending love and hugs,
Jill and Carsen Lowe

Dearest Jodi,

We are so thankful to have had your loving guidance teaching our kiddos over the years, either at Simpson, CCA or SUMC. When we felt Mary was struggling in the first half of third grade at Simpson, my peace in staying at Simpson was knowing that her classroom shared a door with your class. I knew I could always ask your advice even though you weren't her teacher that year. Upon our eventual transition to CCA, the continued peace we felt just by seeing your presence in the middle school was everything. I always knew you were there to love on Mary as needed. Thank you for being such an amazing teacher and teaching Mary how to dig and work a little harder sometimes.

You are such a gifted teacher, loving mother and wife and a great friend to so many. The world is a better place because of you. We love you, Dave, Ava Mei, Bob & Henry so much and are praying for you all!

Much love,
Alice

Jodi,

Though I've met you just a handful of times, you have always been so very friendly, as if I'd just seen you yesterday. I especially love your beautiful smile and cheerful spirit, knowing that Dave & the kids benefit greatly from it. I continue to pray for you each day and send love to you.

Thank you for your friendship and the fun times shared over the years. You opened your house and shared your family on so many Fridays after work. Your smile and humor always lit up the room.

Thank you and God Bless,
Chris
 

To my beautiful friend, Jodi,

Thank you for accepting me and being kind to me. It's such a reflection of your heart, friend. You don't want anyone to feel rejected or left out. There are not many people in this world as loving and courageous as you are. My husband, Joe, and his lifelong friend, Billy, have recently been struggling together with the deep sorrow and confusion surrounding why God takes such good, good people — seemingly so early, seemingly so often. In his desperate crying out to the Lord, Billy heard God respond, "Because those are the ones I want." There is a Kingdom beyond this world, dear sis. Jesus has gone before you to prepare a place for you, that where He is, you may be also. I am confident that, when we join you someday, we'll have full and immediate understanding of why the Lord called His beloved, adored, strong, and kind daughter into eternal life in this timing. Step into your eternal role in the Kingdom, dear sis, loved by God.

Dave & kiddos,

I am weeping with you, and sending you rivers of love and the biggest, tightest hugs. Praying for precious, unforgettable moments of love, even joy, and a profound peace that surpasses ALL understanding as you spend time by your lovely Jodi's side, together with God. I know it goes without saying because of your faith in Jesus, but please remember when she takes her last breath here and her first breath in Heaven, face to face with the Lord, that you will see her again one day. Your Father in Heaven loves you dearly, and weeps with you, too. He is aware of what you're feeling, and is closer to you than your own right hand; He cares — oh, how He cares — and, He will not leave you. I have the sense that He invites you to rejoice along with Heaven on the day they all welcome Jodi home. I love you guys.

Your friend, Melissa

Dear Jodi, (sorry it's so long but I have much to say!)

I figure we have around 40 teachers during K-12. Maybe 10 at most are standouts, and of those, a sliver are teachers who make a lifetime impact. You're in that special category. Not only were you a stellar academic educator with high standards who wove creativity into all your lessons -- you taught about following rules, including the Golden Rule. You taught students to believe in themselves, and your own confidence modeled self-assurance in that tender time of personal growth between second and third grades.

My Sarah was in your class your first year as a teacher. I knew immediately after meeting you at curriculum night that we hit the classroom jackpot. Sarah was a goodie-two-shoes so she particularly loved your organized methods. One memory she and I have is the only time she was ever disciplined in her entire school career. She remembers you having to separate her from her friend Khari Joyner. For some reason, Khari and Sarah couldn't look at each other without bursting out laughing. They constantly interrupted class by laughing. I remember you giving me a heads up about moving Sarah's seat, but you also smiled when you told me the reason. I saw that you disciplined with a kind heart, and we enjoy retelling that story years later.

I begged Mr. T to put Emma in your class. My Emma was not a goodie-two shoes! She loved your class and the focus on writing. She remembers a writer's satchel that each student got a chance to take home and write their autobiography and other writing tasks. I believe that's where she fell in love with writing and you spurred an interest for her that continues today. She also remembers when her best friend Alex told her that she was moving to Washington, D.C. Emma ran out of your room crying and hid in the bathroom. She said you came into the bathroom to sit with her. You talked to her about how hard the change would be, but that you knew she would be ok.

Later, as your co-worker, I enjoyed seeing your bright and happy face every day, and I admired you greatly. You're a special person, Jodi, and you've blessed our lives. We pray for you daily.

Much Love,
Melanie

Jodi,

You have had a special place in our family's heart.  We are so thankful that Olivia had you as a teacher.  You took her under your wing and went out of your way to help keep her organized, focused and made sure her self confidence stayed intact.  She misses her "bestie" as she calls you.  We are praying for you and your family.

Jodi,

You have been such a thoughtful friend and colleague. I always appreciated over the last few years when you would make an effort to collect Bob and Henry's karate gear and school uniforms that didn't fit the boys so you could pass them along to Palmer. As a House sponsor, you went out of your way to prepare for our service opportunities so that our House members could have a meaningful way to give back to the community.  And as a friend, even in your most challenging moments, would find ways to pass along words of wisdom that you've learned through life or a positive comment to guide me and lift me up. You are strong and full of faith, and I truly admire you! But, I think the thing that I appreciate the most about you is your realism and your wit. I love that you just say it like it is. I always need to hear what you have to share because it is always filled with such truth and optimism!

Thank you sweet friend!
Melissa 

What a privilege and honor it is to have Jodi in my life!!

I love the chapter where I got to meet and become friends with Jodi and Dave.  Let's go way back to the year 2000 when we were venturing out into Atlanta city living, buying real estate in a soon to be built gorgeous condo in Midtown.  I'll never forget how excited all the new owners were to finally get the building completed, as it was delayed for at least a year. Finally, the builder let new owners take a hard hat tour, and the first couple I met was Jodi and Dave.  I thought they were super cool, and so young and "hip" and  SO SO nice! I was thrilled to learn that in this very large building they were going to live two doors down from my unit!  It took about a "nano second" for friendships to form on what we eventually dubbed our area of the building "The West Wing".  We knew we had the most special place in the building, mixing young, old, single, married and great diversity

The memories started getting made quickly, and Jodi was a very  bright star in our group.  Kind, funny, giving, understanding and just always emanated beauty on the inside and out.  The memories are making me smile (while also tearing up) as I write this. We all pretty much had an "open door" policy, and pajamas were always proper attire, especially when watching our obsession with the Bachelor and The Bachelorette.  (No streaming back then, just gather to watch an episode a week). The parties were often and the laughter sublime.  We painted pottery together, ( I still use the platter I made that we all initialed upon completion.  Kick board laps in the roof top pool, eating Publix subs the day after a "big night"...just a few fun memories.

Jodi made everyone feel special and important, as evidenced in her multiple teacher of the year honors/awards, but also in her personal friendships, and of course with her and Dave's large families. 

For me, being almost 15 years older than her young self, she always included me in plans/activities  and helped me feel and "stay" young.  One of my favorite memories is from my 40th birthday party.  One of my best friends, who Jodi knew, was having a dinner party for me.  I wanted to invite Jodi and Dave and Erin but thought they wouldn't want to come given the age difference. But they did, and not only did they help me ring in a big milestone birthday, but demonstrated exemplary Karaoke skills.

The sad day came when they told us "West Wingers" that they were heading  to the suburbs as the Dakota wasn't exactly ideal for  starting a family.  I vividly remember them showing me photos of the beautiful home they chose in Peachtree Corners, and while I was so happy for them, I was sad that this chapter was coming to a close. But I also knew and felt so fortunate to have had those years of crazy fun with Jodi and other pals.  Our respective locations and jobs (OTP vs ITP) made it a challenge to see each other frequently, but thanks to F.B, and annual St. Patty's day cards, I got to witness a beautiful family grow and thrive, and watch Jodi love and appreciate her abundance of life's blessings.

Love, Peace and Prayers , Clarke

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