Jo Anne Smith Rodda

Funeral Services for Mrs. Jo Ann Smith Rodda, age 82 of Odenville, will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Robert Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining gardens.

Jo Anne “Nannie” (Smith) Rodda, age 82, of Alabama, entered her eternal rest on October 22, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. She was born on December 13, 1942, to the late Robert E. Smith and Lenora J. Smith, who, along with her beloved husband, Phillip Henry Rodda Sr., and cherished son, Phillip Henry Rodda Jr., welcomed her home in Heaven.

Nannie’s life was a testament to compassion, faith, and unwavering devotion. She devoted herself to caring for others, family, friends, and even those she barely knew, with quiet strength and enduring grace. Her hands were never still, and her heart was never closed. She was a caregiver in every sense of the word, answering God’s call to serve with love and humility throughout her life.

She is survived by her children, Debra Rodda, Renee “Missie” Rodda, and Marty Rodda and his wife, Tracy Rodda. She also leaves behind twelve grandchildren whom she deeply adored: Joseph, Crystal Anne, Trey (Phillip III), Lenora Anne (Boo), Mandy Leanne, Jacob Anthony, Shanterria, Brandi, Kevin, Marti Leanne, Marty Wade, and Zyriah. Nannie is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom she held close in her heart.

Her cousin, Brother Robert Smith, and his wife, Pam, were her spiritual companions and devoted supporters throughout her final days. Brother Robert will lead her service and prayer, honoring the faith that guided her life.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Rodda, Kevin Murry, Chris Moore, Jacob Rodda, Jason Smith, Johnny Smith, and Trey Rodda.

Those who were blessed to know Nannie will remember her warmth, her hospitality, and the unmatched comfort of her kitchen. Her butter beans and cornbread were famous among family and friends, and her carrot cake will forever be remembered as a family treasure. Her home was a place of safety, laughter, and love, a gathering place for all who needed comfort and care.

Nannie’s daughter, Renee “Missie” Rodda, was her devoted caregiver through every season of her later years. Missie’s love and dedication sustained Nannie’s strength and spirit until her final breath. Since 1985, Missy faithfully did her mother’s hair every week, a loving tradition that became a symbol of their unbreakable bond and devotion to one another. The depth of their bond and Missie’s devotion will forever stand as a reflection of true love between mother and daughter.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 from 11:00 A.M. until service time at 12:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.

The family wishes to share the following tribute written by her granddaughter, Boo.

For My Nannie

Written by Boo

“My Nannie loved me in a way that left no room for doubt. She made sure the whole world knew just how proud she was of me, sometimes so much that I’d blush and say, ‘Nannie, stop telling everybody!’ But deep down, I loved that she did.

She had a heart that jumped to help others. If someone was sick, she was the first one at the door with food or medicine. If someone was lonely, she’d sit and talk until the loneliness faded. She loved to be needed, and she had a way of making everyone around her feel cared for and important.

Nannie was strong, stubborn, and fiercely loyal to the people she loved. She taught me that love isn’t quiet, it shows up, it gives, it comforts, and it never stops believing in you.

I will always carry her love with me. Every time I do something that would make her proud, I’ll smile and think of her telling the world about it, and this time, I won’t be embarrassed. I’ll be grateful.”

Nannie’s love was steady, generous, and everlasting. She expressed it through service, kindness, faith, and family. Her laughter, her cooking, and her boundless care filled every corner of the lives she touched. Though her presence will be profoundly missed, her love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.