Jodie was born October 16, 1934, to Cloyd Orville and Pansy Erline (Watson) Hopkins in Columbia, Louisiana. She was a graduate of Rayville High School and LSU. After graduating LSU, she accepted a teaching position in DeQuincy, Louisiana, where she met the love of her life, Edward “Ed” McFatter. Jodie continued her education earning a master’s degree from McNeese State University while teaching and raising her children. She worked at multiple schools in Calcasieu Parish, spending her final years before retirement at Frasch Elementary. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, playing cards or board games, crafting, sewing, and completing puzzles.
She will always be known as the wife and mom that had an open home policy. She didn’t mind who was in the house Saturday morning, and a lot of Saturdays woke up to find that other kids had slept over. She would gladly make more breakfast. She always had a home filled with love and acceptance. Anyone who knew her will recall her beautiful smile and sweet southern drawl.
Jodie was an avid student of the Bible, caring and continually praying for her family and friends. Her greatest accomplishment in life was her walk with Christ and guiding her children and grandchildren to know Him. She always had an encouraging spiritual word for everyone. If the church doors were open, she made sure that she and her family were there. For many years, she led and taught Sunday school or training union. Her most treasured possession was her Bible.
She was dearly loved by her family and known for the love that she always unconditionally gave. Those close to her knew that she was always sensitive to others and more concerned about them than herself. She was a wonderful wife, cherishing her husband of 62 years. She was a great mom and grandmother. As her husband, children and grandchildren will attest, Heaven truly gained a saint. The legacy she leaves to her family and friends is an example of what it means to love as Christ loved.
1 Corinthians 13: 12-13
For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Jodie is preceded in death by her parents and sister (Kathleen Dale Hopkins Morgan).
Those left to cherish her memories are her husband of 62 years, Ed McFatter, her children, Melinda (Dan) Upton, Joe (Mary) McFatter, and Randall (Suzanne) McFatter. Grandchildren: Hollie (Drew) Fruge, Aaron McFatter, Tiffany (Spencer) Chance, Laura McFatter, Faith (Michael) Collum, Adam McFatter, Ben McFatter, Jacob (Courtney) McKee and Nathan (Katelynn) McKee. Great grandchildren Lylah McFatter; Hope, Eve, and Jackson Fruge; Eli and Malachi McKee; Averi and Nora McKee. She is also survived by her sister Marian Colvin, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jodie's life will be held at Pine Grove Baptist Church in DeQuincy, Louisiana, on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 11:00 am, with Bro. Jordan Doyle officiating. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 9:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at McFatter/Masonic Cemetery in DeQuincy, Louisiana.
Flowers or donations can be made to Pine Grove Baptist Church in DeQuincy for the Lottie Moon Christmas offering in her name. The church address is: 4811 Wes Berry Road, DeQuincy, LA. 70633.
The family would like to especially thank the Stonebridge staff for the love and kindness shown to her and her family as she completed her transition from this world to her home in glory.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonsnider.com for the McFatter family.
