Janie Anna Searight Boddy was born in Lum, Loundes County, Alabama. She was the sixth child of 13 children. Her parents were Cora Lee Seawright and Comer Jesse Coker, Sr. She moved to Indiana and then Michigan before settling in Cleveland, Ohio.

On December 20, 1950, she married James Boddy, whom she met in Alabama. James, the love of her life, preceded her in death. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage and were blessed with six children: Charles, Virginia, James, Jacklynn, Joyce and Vincent.

Janie accepted Christ at a young age. As a young lady in Alabama, she was a Young Matron. Janie loved the Lord deeply and lived her life grounded in unwavering faith. In Cleveland, Janie became a devoted member of Lee Heights Community Church. She served faithfully on the Usher Board – first as an usher, Vice President, and then President until her retirement. She also served diligently on the Lee Heights Community Development Corp. She played a key role in the construction of the Prayer and Praise Garden and worked tirelessly during a Hurricane Katrina mission trip. Janie’s devotion never wavered. She was a “good and faithful servant.”

Janie was a dedicated and hardworking woman throughout her life. She worked as a soda girl, short order cook and waitress. Janie was also an entrepreneur. She and her husband owned several rental properties as well as Peter Pan Day Care Center. Though she was never afraid of hard work or getting her hands dirty, she was also the epitome of style and grace. She was an immaculate dresser.

Family was everything to Janie. Her love began with her mother, siblings and husband James but extended to all who entered her life. She had a special love for children. She truly had an “Open Door” policy at her house; all were welcomed, loved and cherished. She was an exceptional cook and baker, known for hosting big Sunday dinners and delicious holiday meals. She loved fiercely and was generous with her time, resources, care and love. She was, in every sense, a beloved matriarch.

Janie will certainly be missed by her loved ones and the village she helped raise. She leaves to cherish her memories, children, Charles (Carol) Boddy, Sr., Virginia Fleming, James Body, Jacklynn (Robert) Walker, Joyce (Ernest Hatcher) Boddy, and Vincent (Michelle) Boddy; her sister Katie Taylor of Alabama and sister-in-law Rose Body; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Humbly Submitted, The Family