JoAnn "Mama Jodie"

Reynolds

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of JoAnn “Mama Jodie” Reynolds on January 19, 2024, in Finger, Tennessee. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Born on December 16, 1933, in Bethel Springs, Tennessee, JoAnn was the daughter of Arthur Lee and Amelia Teague Gage.

JoAnn’s early years were spent in Bethel Springs, where she attended school. As a teenager, she joined her father in the fields and learned the value of hard work. On November 4, 1950, JoAnn married the love of her life, Thomas Jefferson Reynolds. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and joy. Mr. Reynolds passed away on February 14, 2002. JoAnn was an incredibly hard worker throughout her life.

She worked at Loretta Manufacturing and retired from ITT after 30 years as a quality control inspector. However, retirement didn’t stop her from pursuing another career—working in the cafeterias at Selmer Middle School and Selmer Elementary School. She was affectionately known as “Mama Jodie” by students, staff, and everyone who knew her. She brought warmth, love, and nourishment to countless children. Mama Jodie retired for the second time after 20 years of working in school cafeterias, at the young age of 85.

When JoAnn wasn’t working tirelessly for others, she found joy in gardening and canning. She loved playing Rook, adored dressing up, and enjoyed wearing pretty jewelry. Her culinary skills were legendary. Family and friends will forever remember her delicious butter roll pies, chicken and dumplings, homemade jellies, and especially her famous chicken and dressing, which garnered fame across three states.

JoAnn’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She lived by example, radiating love and kindness to everyone around her. She was a dedicated member of Forty Forks Baptist Church until she was no longer able to attend. However, it was in her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that JoAnn found the greatest pride and joy. She delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Mama Jodie was outspoken, bluntly honest, and quick-witted, traits her relatives often referred to as “Gage-y.”

She is survived by her three daughters, Barbara Garner (Dwight) of Finger, Tennessee, Penny Butler of Selmer, Tennessee, and Tammy Hutcherson (Bobby) of Bethel Springs, Tennessee; grandchildren, Misti Garner Gray (Dj), Clay Garner (Leslie), Zach Kennedy, and Cain Hutcherson (Ashley); six great-grandchildren, Haven Gray Whitten (Chaseton), Gillian Garner, Deuce Garner, Zach Bowman, Gia Gray, and Tatum Hutcherson; two sisters, Cathy Gage Weaver (Larry) of Jackson, Tennessee, and Jackie Matlock (J.D.) of Selmer, Tennessee; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Peoples of Dyer, Indiana, and Evelyn Gage of Bethel Springs, Tennessee; two brothers-in-law, Keith Moffett of Adamsville, Tennessee, and Jimmy Moore of Selmer, Tennessee; and a host of extended family members and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur Ray Gage and John Ross Gage, and four sisters, Rebecca Sims, Linda Knight, Mary Nola Moffett, and Shelia Moore.

The legacy JoAnn “Mama Jodie” Reynolds leaves behind is one of hard work, faithfulness, love for family and community, and a commitment to bringing joy to others. She will be deeply missed but always remembered and celebrated for the incredible woman she was.