Growing up Jody was a precocious girl who early on exhibited the signs of the enormous musical talent she would develop over the years. Jo and Earl bought Jody a Baldwin Acrosonic piano when she was about 10 and she loved practicing. So much so that Jo and Earl allowed her to “skip” chores so long as she was at the keyboard! Her love of music carried over into the summers spent in Estes Park, where Jody attended Rocky Ridge Music Academy for many years.
By junior high, had captured Jody’s attention. Charles – Charley, Charley Tuna, Dr. A, a.k.a., Dad – worked at Binger’s Market bagging groceries and from very almost the moment she saw him, Jody was hooked! A fellow musician (he played the trumpet as well as she played the piano), she tried for quite some time to get Charley to reciprocate. Jody eventually wore him down (is anyone surprised?) and they started dating.
Both graduated from Lincoln High School in 1960 and went on to college. Jody attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and Charley University of Nebraska Lincoln. She received her degree in English with a minor in music and then completed a Master of Arts in Education with the idea that she would go on to teach. And teach she did, while Charley went on to dental school. Elmwood was the first stop for the couple, and Jody enjoyed her time at the school. So did the students, who would often stop by their duplex and get into trouble. From there Jody had stints at Raymond Central teaching drama, English, music. After that Jody worked at several churches in various capacities, including Westminster Presbyterian, either leading various music groups (choirs, handbells) or playing as the accompanist.
Somehow when she wasn’t singing, playing, directing, or writing music, Jody found time to support the Dental Auxiliary and the various activities that being the wife of an active member and President of the Nebraska Dental Association required. PEO was another organization she devoted many years to.
Where Jody really shined, though, was hosting dinners and parties and holidays. Jody was born to be a hostess! Her vibrant, dynamic personality practically demanded it. She had a knack for decorating and interior design, and the combination of all of those gifts meant that Jody and Charley were blessed with many, many good friends throughout their lives and the house was always busy with something going on. Office parties and the 4th of July at Thomas Lake, New Years Eve with the Schernikau’s, Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter were a few of the staples, but the countless dance group parties, trips with friends, and — made Jody’s life full.
And then, there was Brownville! Jody started visiting her Aunt Dolly when she was young and her love for the community grew over the years. Whether it was the history, the antiques, or the lovely people who lived in the town, Jody was drawn there. Eventually she and Charley bought a historic home and then a second one down the street, and split time between the two on the weekends. They were naturals in Brownville. They loved spending time in the shops, helping neighbors, and going to the Lycium for meals. It wasn’t long before they were fixtures there, with their involvement with Flea Market, the Historical Society, and of course the Brownville Village Theatre, where Jody played piano for countless plays and musicals for several years. Perhaps her favorite, though, was coordinating the music for Sunday services at the Brownville Christian Church. Jody and Charley loved being part of that church and contributing countless hours playing the piano and the trumpet, and in general helping that ministry continue on in Brownville. Jody and Charley lived life to the fullest in Brownville. In many ways it was more their home than Lincoln in the last few years. Their hearts remained there even when it was no longer possible to make the 90-minute drive.
But what Jody loved even more than Brownville and music was her family. This love is what spurred her on to do so many hard things in her 84 too-short years. Charley was the center of her world, and she supported him during his long hours in dental school, his long hours at the office, and his long hours at conventions and meetings. Jody and Charley adopted Kelli and Kerri and then helped raise their first granddaughter, Mykala. Jody patiently and lovingly attended to Jo nearly every day in her later years. And ultimately, Jody supported Charley through his cancer diagnosis and treatment.
After Charley’s passing, Jody sold their home of 32 years and moved to Eastmont where Jo and Earl had lived. She enjoyed meeting new people, playing the piano before meals in Saratoga, going to the various performances, participating in choir, playing for vespers, watching movies with other residents, and ultimately being reunited with Richard and his family in June of 2023.
Dementia and the weight of years proved to be powerful enemies, however, and by October of 2025 she had been invited to make her final home with Kelli and Mykala on Eldon Drive. Jody was grateful to be there, Kelli and Mykala were happy they could give her the love and attention she needed to be comfortable during the last of her days. Jody’s caregiver and friend, Bri (the “other daughter”), brought much joy during the week. Kerri supported him from a distance, visiting often and calling more, and smiling at how the Lord worked to gather the small family once again in peace and love. His mercy and grace and provision were abundant in Jody’s life over the last nine months, to be sure.
Jody’s physical body eventually became unable to contain her soul and spirit, and she was set free of it on July 8, 2026. Kelli and Kerri were with her, surrounded also by Richard, Mykala and Gary. She will be terribly and greatly missed.
Family members include her daughters Kelli Anderson (Gary Massa), Lincoln and Kerri Anderson, Denver, CO; grandchildren MyKala Anderson and Francesca Atencio; brother Richard Hughes (Twila) Lincoln; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents and husband Charles.
Graveside service: 10:00 am Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, 6800 S. 14th St. Please meet at gate #2.
Memorials to Brownville Village Theatre or KVC Nebraska.