Jeannie Jo Thomas

Jeannie (Jody) Jo Thomas

12/21/1954 – 5/12/2025

They say life is lived in the dash between your birth date and death date.  Jeannie lived and loved much in her dash.  Jeannie was born the second daughter to Gene and Jo Ann Carr on December 21, 1954 in Bakersfield, California.  The Carr’s realized quickly that California isn’t the place to settle and moved up to Myrtle Creek, Oregon before Jeannie’s 1st birthday.  She became known as Jody, because her older sister had a tough time saying Jeannie.  Jody went to school in Myrtle Creek and graduated from South Umpqua High School in 1973.  Jody married the love of her life, William (Bill) Thomas in 1977.  Together they raised their children Kori and Michael in Myrtle Creek as well.  While raising their children there were times of living on logging job sites, family water fights that got very involved and much love and laughter in the home.  Jody was a devoted homemaker until her children were in school full-time.  At that time, she went to work at the Super Y Market.  She was a favorite cashier for years and people recognized her for her beautiful smile, genuine happiness to see you, and her kind words.  Jody while not traditionally outgoing was able to get to know people better than most with her unassuming, but thoughtful questions as she met people.  After leaving the Super Y Market, Jody had a daycare in her home for several years.  Jody loved children. When she became a grandma in 1992, she was overjoyed and her heart was full.  She would play with them and had patience only God could give never showing anger towards any child.  Her children might say that wasn’t quite the same when children became teenagers.  Jody made sure her home was welcoming to anyone.  Even in the lean times, Jody made sure anyone that came in her home didn’t leave hungry, thirsty, or without a hug.  Jody spent the time working at Seven Feathers Casino until the birth of her last grandson in 2007.  At that time, Jody retired to be the daycare provider for her grandson and later her granddaughter.  In more recent years, she and Bill were able to lunch with friends and family on a weekly basis, go for drives in the country, and spend time with their grandchildren.  Jody was proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.  The last few months of Jody’s life were tough, but Jody showed strength and perseverance never turning down a therapy session or failing to keep Bill in line, even when he couldn’t hear her.  On May 12, 2025 Jody went to be with her father, mother, aunts, uncles, and son-in-law and rejoice with the Lord.  Jody is survived by her husband of 48 years Bill, her son Michael (Andi), daughter Kori Shellard, grandsons Seth Thomas, Ian Thomas, Michael Shellard, granddaughter Collette Shellard, sisters Connie McGarvey and Penny (Joe) Landeros, numerous nephews and nieces.  To say Jody will be missed is an understatement, but she will live on in her family, and the people she treated with kindness and her smile. We take comfort in knowing we will see her again.  A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Evergreen Park in Myrtle Creek, Oregon from 12 pm – 3 pm.  Please bring a lawn chair and your favorite memory of Jody to share.

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