Joan "Jody" Rodgers

Joan “Jody” Rodgers November 5, 1940 – March 2, 2025Groves, Texas

Joan “Jody” Rodgers, 84, of Groves, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Forever Young Assisted Living Facility.

Jody was born on November 5, 1940, in Iowa, to Joseph M. Sclarow and Bertha Goldstein Sclarow. As the eldest of three children, she grew up in Iowa before earning her degree in education from Iowa State University. Her career with the Camp Fire Girls brought her to Texas, where she met the love of her life, Jimmy Rodgers. The two were married on December 27, 1967, and three years later, they welcomed their daughter, Kelli, into the world.

Jody dedicated nearly 30 years to her career in education before retiring to care for Jimmy, who had health challenges. After his passing on September 17, 2001, Jody devoted herself to giving back to her community, actively supporting organizations like Relay for Life and LifeShare Blood Donations.

Jody's joy multiplied when she became a grandmother to Josie Lynn Simmons on July 12, 2007. Josie quickly became the light of Jody's life, and Jody proudly became known as "Gran Gran." She spent her days attending Josie’s school programs, dance recitals, twirling performances, band concerts, and football games, cherishing every moment with her granddaughter.

Jody was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Bertha Sclarow, her brother Marvin, and her beloved husband, Jimmy Rodgers.

She is survived by her sister, Pat Levine of Minneapolis, Minnesota; her daughter, Kelli Simmons and her husband, Jeff, of Port Neches, Texas; and her treasured granddaughter, Josie Simmons.

Jody will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her legacy of love and service will live on through her family and the many lives she touched.

Friends and family are invited to honor Jody’s remarkable life during visitation at the Clayton Thompson Funeral Directors in Groves, Texas, on March 6, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. A funeral service will follow at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home, beginning at 1:00 PM. With burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.