Caroline Marie Cody

Dr. Caroline Burns Cody died at home surrounded by her husband and children on September 4, 2016, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She loved her family and dogs, her country, teaching, reading, and gardening. Dr. Cody was 78.

Born near Cullman, Alabama, to educators Cranford and Dorothy, Caroline spent her early childhood surrounded by a large extended family. After her brother James was born, the four left Cullman so her father could further his career.

Dr. Cody attended Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama, where she met her husband of 57 years, Wilmer. While he was still attending Harvard College, she finished her undergraduate degree at Boston University early and began teaching so they could marry. Soon came son David and daughter Alison. The close family relocated often as Wilmer pursued advanced degrees and professional positions in public education administration.

As a young mother and staunch supporter of civil rights, Dr. Cody worked tirelessly in the 1960s to support the desegregation of the public schools in Mobile; undaunted by the death threats she received from local reactionaries.

While living in Birmingham, Alabama, she pursued her master’s degree and doctorate in education administration from the University of Alabama. An exceedingly talented educator, Dr. Cody inspired countless students and coworkers while teaching graduate courses at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, the University of Maryland, and the University of New Orleans. After her retirement, she served as a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates and as an election commissioner.

Dr. Cody read widely and took great pride in selecting books for everyone on her Christmas list. From her immediate family to distant great-nieces and nephews who only knew her as “the book aunt,” all received carefully chosen books for the holidays. Opening her thoughtful gifts became a special tradition in many families.

Dr. Cody is predeceased by her parents, Cranford Herman Burns and Dorothy Reinstatdler Burns and her brother James Allen Burns. She is survived by her Husband Wilmer St. Clair Cody, Jr., children David Marshall Cody and Alison Marie Cody.

A celebration of Dr. Cody’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 14, at Rayne United Methodist Church, 3900 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. Visitation will follow in Fellowship Hall. Remembrances can be sent to [email protected].

Arrangements under the direction of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, NEW ORLEANS, LA.