Jennifer Mallan still remembers the delicious smell of bacon and eggs that wafted through the home of her grandmother, Irma Cone Moody, when she would spend the night. Mrs. Moody even squeezed fresh orange juice for her oldest granddaughter.
Mrs. Moody died Oct. 14, 2013. She was 99.
“She was just the most incredible woman that I know to walk the face of the earth,” Mallan said.
And although Mallan won’t get to taste that sweet orange juice from the hands of her grandmother again, the memories will live on.
In addition to being an accomplished Southern cook, Mrs. Moody was an involved member of the community and a spiritual leader.
Along with her husband of almost 62 years, James Moody Sr., Mrs. Moody was a longtime pillar in the community. The couple met at a college dance and moved to the house that his parents built in Plant City. He later became a judge.
Mrs. Moody worked as an English teacher, after graduating from Georgia State College for Women, with Latin, French and English majors. After James Moody returned from serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Mrs. Moody became a homemaker and an active volunteer.
The couple made many notable contributions to community organizations, such as South Florida Baptist Hospital and the Florida Strawberry Festival.
In social circles, Mrs. Moody was part of a bridge club and a fantastic hostess, right down to polishing her silver and ironing her tablecloths for dinner parties. City Commissioner and former mayor Mike Sparkman recognized her passing the commission’s Oct. 14 meeting.
“She was everyone’s best friend,” Mallan said. “She made everyone feel like they were her favorite.”
Mrs. Moody also had many of her own philanthropic projects, perhaps propelled by her childhood.
“She grew up during the Great Depression, so she had that special spunk,” Mallan said. “She was a grateful person, so appreciative of everything anyone did.”
Mrs. Moody served as a PTA president, Jr. and Sr. Woman’s Club president and for seven years was a member of the Plant City Planning Board. She directed plays, coached a high school girls basketball team and was instrumental in launching Little League in Plant City.
Through her busy schedule, Mrs. Moody always was fashionable and put together. Mallan remembers many of her colorful hats and classy dresses.
A lifetime member First Presbyterian Church, she remained active in volunteering. She was president of the Presbyterian Women of the Church on three different occasions and was a Sunday school teacher until she was 95. Mrs. Moody also led a Bible study she called “circle school” well into her 90s.
“Here she was, at 96, teaching ‘The Purpose-Driven Life,’” Mallan said. “She was helping others find their purpose.”
Mrs. Moody’s Bible study could be attributed to her generosity.
“She loved people,” Mallan said. “She loved her family. She was very generous and helping of her siblings during their difficult times.”
As generous as she was, Mrs. Moody never complained. Last Saturday was the first time Mallan had heard her grandmother speak of any pain she was feeling.
“She inspired many and brought hope to many,” Mallan said. “The world isn’t as bright without her.”
Mrs. Moody was preceded in death by her husband, James S. Moody Sr., in 2001, after 62 years of marriage.
She is survived by three children, Carole M. Shelton, James S. Moody Jr. (Kelli) and William C. Moody Sr. (Sandra); eight grandchildren, Jennifer S. Mallan, Mark Shelton, Stephanie S. Kilton, Ashley M. Duralia, James S. Moody III, Patricia M. McNabb, William C. Moody Jr. and Ryan Fulcher; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Visitation with family and friends will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at Wells Memorial and Event Center, 1903 W. Reynolds St., Plant City. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Plant City, 404 W. Reynolds St. Burial to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Presbyterian Church or Christian Family Church, Tampa, which her granddaughter pastors.
Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.