Martha Jo Raper

1928 ~
 2022

OBITUARY

Martha Jo “Jodie” Raper was born on June 17, 1928 in Amory, MS where she lived until 2015 when she moved to Kingwood, TX. She was the seventh of seven children of B.L. and Lula Reedy. She attended Amory High School.

Jo worked at Wilson Manufacturing Company, Glen Manufacturing Company and for over forty years, Security Bank of Amory where she operated the proof machine. She loved beautiful clothes, so after retiring from the bank, she worked part time at a small dress shop in Tupelo, MS.

She loved worshipful, majestic music and was an accomplished musician, active at First United Methodist Church in Amory for many years playing for services as well as weddings and funerals. Later in life, she joined First Presbyterian Church and continued her service of playing organ and piano as well as supporting other ministries of the church. Jo was a fine cook and was well known for pan fried quail, peas and cornbread, fried okra and at holidays, cranberry ice. During her years in Kingwood, she loved decorating her senior living community and playing bingo. She never missed a ride on the bus whether it was to Kroger or just around the local area.

Jo is survived by her daughter, Julia Nash of Houston, TX and a long list of good friends.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of HCA Kingwood and Regent Care of Kingwood and Melissa DeCosta, APRN.

A good friend once said that Jo had always lived with her lights on bright, and sadly her lights dimmed four days shy of her 94th birthday. What a life she had! If you’d like to honor her memory, a donation can be made to First Presbyterian Church in Amory, MS or to a charity of your choice.

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7 Responses

  1. You know how I felt about your Mom. She always had a bright smile on her face whenever we met. I still have a Christmas Norfolk pine she gave me for Christmas one year.

    May she rest in peace in Gods arms!!!

  2. Julia,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue to navigate these troubling times. Your mother was a dear, dear person and she did have a long life. I am sure she is enjoying life with God in heaven.

  3. Jodie was so much fun, I really enjoyed her company and stories she shared at Reunion Court of Kingwood. A few weeks ago she got tickled about something that happened here and couldn’t stop laughing. It makes me smile just to think about that day. I would just look at her and she would bust laughing all over again. I miss you Jodie! Happy Birthday in Heaven!! Wendy

  4. What’s beautiful woman who raised an incredible daughter. I know she was beyond proud of the woman Julia has become and the lives she has impacted over the years. What a blessing to have had a daughter who had such a huge impact on thousands of lives. What a family blessing and how proud I know she was of you Julia. Blessings and prayer’s. ❤️❤️❤️

  5. I am so very sorry for your loss Julia. It really is a loss like no other. I’ve watched you conduct yourself with dedication, empathy and grace as you’ve cared for your mother and assumed responsibility for her affairs. My prayers are with you.

  6. Oh Julia, your mom was an absolute beauty!!! You are an amazing daughter, so giving and thoughtful, loving and caring. I bet she was so proud of such a beautiful and wonderful human being she helped create.

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