Birth date: Mar 1, 1932 Death date: Jan 1, 2022
Joanne “Jody” Marie Gunn Phelps passed away peacefully in her sleep January 1, 2022 at her residence in Katherine’s Place in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Jody was born March 1, 1932 in Houston, Texas to parents Van and Marie Gunn. She Read Obituary
We here at South Tama high school had heard of your mother's passing. We send condolences. We're sure her spirit is a inspiration to you. Take care. Stc Mark Fetter.
I have many memories of Jody, so many I couldn't possibly list them all. Her friendship goes back many years to when I was pretty young. Our friendship started in the most unlikely way.
My family was not wealthy by any means, and we could only afford to drive to Fayetteville a few times a year to get school supplies and clothing. Each time we were in Fayetteville, my parents would stop at Barnes and Noble bookstore before we left. We were able to sit and read a book even though we could not afford to purchase one...it was something we always looked forward to. My twin sister and I would spend our time dreaming about random books that we wanted...mostly crafting or comic books.
One day, my sister was showing me an Oragami book that she desperately wanted. She was showing me all of the different things that she wanted to learn how to make(she already knew how to make so many). We ogled over the book for what seemed like ages discussing how we wish we could afford it and knowing our parents couldn't either. We eventually left the treasured book and went off to look at others.
Awhile later when we got ready to leave, one of the cashiers stopped us as we were walking out the door. They told us that someone had left a book for my sister and handed it to her. The lady had left her name in the book. None of us could imagine why someone would have been so kind to us! My parents looked her up in the phone book and called her on the pay phone that was inside the store to thank her for being so kind to my sister. The rest is pretty much history!
We would come visit Jody a couple of times a year from then on! We would email and call her. She was the most interesting person. She was so incredibly knowledgeable and creative. She was kind and caring. She was an incredible friend with the most beautiful soul.
After my dad died, she was even more of a friend to myself and my mother...she always knew just the thing to say. When I got divorced, she was there for me any time I needed a shoulder to cry on.
I am blessed simply for having known that Jody existed and I am privileged to have been able to call her my friend.
Rest In Peace Jody...the world will never be the same without you.
My biggest memory of Jodi was on Halloween. We were neighbors. My dad had gone pheasant hunting and Jodi asked if she could have the Intestines from the pheasants. So when I stopped to trick or treat at her house she was all dressed up as a witch and offered a large bowl of intestines rather than candy. She really pulled off the scary Halloween house. I will never forget her and her parrot. Deepest condolences to the family.
Jackie Watkins Flynn
Jody was a delightful woman. She was my favorite trust client. We kept in touch till she went into Katherine’s. I loved her Christmas letters. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Mary Ella Earle
My family and I were sorry to hear of the loss of Jody Phelps.
It seems like yesterday that Jody drove my best bud Van and I ALL OVER the Midwest to concerts, athletic events that we participated in, and many athletic events that we didn't. Those travels more often than not accompanied by her faithful dog companion, Kimo, as well as young Scott tagging along.
I also recall her beloved parrot Lorenzo calling out her name "JODY" whenever anyone entered her home.
It's a certainty that she will be missed incredibly by Connie, Buzz, Van and Scott and all her grandkids and great grandkids.
She, truly, was a one of kind soul of a person.
Our heartfelt sympathy to all her loved ones and friends.
The Mitchell Family
Dick Mitchell (Ankeny, IA)
Bill & Trudy Mitchell (Oceanside, CA)
Pete & Sarah Mitchell Fagen (Oceanside, CA)
Dear Phelps family,
Sincere sympathy on the death of Jody. She was a wonderful person. Our mom, Pat Barnett, worked with Jody at Younkers’ advertising department. They became great friends. Jody celebrated life, family, friends and laughter - so much laughter. Her memory will be strong in us and we know it will help sustain you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Nancy and Kathy Barnett
Jody was my "other mother". As much of a PITA kid that I was, she always gave me time and love. Time with Jody was so much for fun than time at my house across the street. She taught me how to be a human - from how to talk to boys to how to wash my hair to how to draw to how to feed and not get bitten by Lorenzo. Missy in the Velveeta cheese box always makes me smile. The Rainbow Bridge is now a happier place, and Jody will never have to say goodbye to an animal ever again.
