Jo Ellen "Jody" Fugatt

Jo Ellen "Jody" Berry Fugatt was born in Knoxville, TN on June 16, 1947. Jody was a 1965 graduate of Young High School. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, cousin, friend, and caregiver whose kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Jody was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Lawson Berry Jr. and Mary Katherine Wolbach Berry.

Jody was a wonderful mother to Ellen Fugatt Chamberlain, Denise Fugatt, and Rev. David Fugatt (Heather). She is also survived by her sister, Susan Berry Williams, and her aunt, Betty Jo Wolbach Roach. Her family was her greatest source of love and pride, but there was one person who held an especially precious place in her heart—her grandson, Lawson Chamberlain (Alina). She absolutely adored Lawson and cherished every moment they shared. Her joy grew even greater with the arrival of her new great-grandson, Bryer Chamberlain, who brought a new and beautiful light into her life.

Jody had a way of making people feel loved, valued, and special. Everyone who knew her will tell you the same thing: she was kind, generous, and always thinking of others. She never needed a reason to make someone smile or to do something thoughtful for someone else. Making people feel special was simply who she was.

Jody loved to laugh and treasured the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time with her family and friends and making memories with the people she loved. Some of her favorite memories were the beach trips she shared with Ellen and Denise—times filled with laughter, sunshine, and the kind of moments that become treasured memories forever.

Above all, she cherished her role as a mother and took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of her children. Her love, guidance, and support will remain with them always. She was so proud to watch worship services with her son, David, behind the pulpit and loved to witness the achievements and the accomplished careers of her daughters, Ellen and Denise. It is a testament to her that all three of her children have careers in which they serve and help others.

Jody leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, generosity, and countless memories shared with her children, grandson, great-grandson, sister, extended family, cousins, and many dear friends. Those who knew her will remember her not only for the love she gave her family, but for the way she made people feel when they were around her— seen, cared for, and special. Her greatest gift was her heart, and she gave it freely.

Jody will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on in the laughter she shared, the kindness she showed, and, most of all, in the family she loved so dearly.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday evening September 18, 2026 at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN.

On Saturday September 19, the family will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home on Chapman Highway, in Knoxville, from 11:00 AM until 2:30 PM, with Graveside services to follow at 3:00 PM in Woodlawn Cemetery in Knoxville.

With Mother’s appreciation for books and reading, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in her memory.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343, and Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com