Emlyn C Bode

BODE, Emlyn Colmant, ended her precious and long life of 95 years on July 26, 2012. She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, H.H. Bode. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, she graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in Library Science. She was employed as a librarian in the Birmingham Public Library in the Children and Reference Departments. Later, she became head librarian of one of their largest branches. She moved with her husband to Louisville, Kentucky, where she continued her library work with the Louisville Public Library for 10 years. When her husband became an executive director with Reynolds Metals Company, the family moved to Richmond, Virginia in 1953, where they lived for the next 59 years. As a longtime member of Trinity Methodist Church, Emlyn was church secretary for several years. Her volunteer work included 10 years with St. Mary's Hospital, 27 years as Board member and volunteer at Retreat Hospital and as a Director of the Annabella R. Jenkins Foundation. She was a member of The Woman's Club, former President of The Commonwealth Woman's Club, the Virginia Writer's Club, the Richmond Writer's Club and Hermitage Country Club. At 80 years of age, she began her career in writing which culminated in the publication of "If You Knew Emmy." She is survived by five children, Lynn Bode Dunn and her husband, Crae, of Wilmington, North Carolina, William H. Bode and his wife, Liz, of Beaumont, Texas, Robert C. Bode and his wife, Julie, of Richmond, James M. Bode and his wife, Jeanie, of Richmond, and John R. Bode and his wife, Mary Beth, of Chattanooga, Tennessee. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who fondly call her "Emmy." In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Annabella R. Jenkins Foundation, 7501 Boulder View Drive, #110, Richmond, Va. 23225-4047. The family will receive friends at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., Richmond, on Sunday, July 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. Burial will be private in Hollywood Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.