Jody McDermott of Garland, TX passed away surrounded by her family on December 8, 2020 at the age of 76. She was a beloved wife and devoted mother, daughter, and aunt. She was born in Oklahoma City, OK on September 14, 1944.
Jody spent the early part of her adult life working for Rauscher Pierce Securities Corporation where she met her husband Bob. They were married in 1967 and spent 53 wonderful years together. She devoted many years raising their two sons. After the boys were older, she followed a lifelong passion for Texas history and became a volunteer at the Texas Hall of State at Fair Park. She enjoyed giving tours to masses of school children on field trips and sharing the history of Texas with all the Hall of State visitors during the annual State Fair of Texas. After many years she looked for a new opportunity to volunteer and ventured to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Her part time volunteer position grew to a paid staff position which ultimately led to her becoming the manager of the Arboretum gift shop. During 23 years at the Arboretum, she established lifelong friendships with the many volunteers, coworkers and frequent customers that visited the gift shop.
Jody was a woman of remarkable, unwavering faith. She loved Our Lord Jesus Christ and was a devoted and loyal member of Lakeridge Bible Church in Mesquite. She loved so many of the members and enjoyed many years of Bible study classes and other Church activities. She was passionate about the Kids Beach Club at Kimball Elementary and adored the children enrolled in the club that was sponsored by Lakeridge. She was always thankful to the volunteers who helped her bring the word of Christ to these children.
For 30+ years she had a yearly highlight of hosting the annual McDermott Family Christmas party that saw generations of family and friends share the season with friendship and fellowship in her home that was decorated with her favorite item of choice… snowmen! The Christmas party was an event she took great pride in and was excited to see everyone as the young grew into adults, got married and had children.
Jody’s ultimate pleasure in her life was being a grandmother. She loved her grandsons and braved all manner of weather and road trip to make sure she was in the stands to attend all the activities that she possibly could. She took great pride and joy in watching them grow into the fine young men they are today. She instilled in all her boys a lifelong love of baseball and her favorite team, the Texas Rangers.
Jody grew up as an only child. She is preceded in death by her parents Allen & Carol Walser, her Brother-in-law Joe McDermott, her Sister-in-law Diane Goolsby and Brother-in-law Wade Goolsby. She is survived by her husband Bob, her sons Michael (DeAnn) & Brian (Cybil) and her grandsons Travis, Tyler, Connor & Allen. She is also survived by three Sisters-in-Law Patti Elmore (David), Elaine Morrill & Carol McDermott and many nieces & nephews.
A private interment service will be held on Tuesday December 22, 2020. To maintain the safety of family & friends at this time, a public memorial service will be scheduled at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lakeridge Bible Church; 1020 Northwest Drive; Mesquite, TX 75150.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Crane.com for the McDermott family.
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