Obituary

Jody connell stalnaker, 88, of charleston, died april 23, 2017, at arthur b. Hodges center.

A life-long resident of charleston, she was preceded in death by her parents dana and lucille woodrum, her brothers tommy and c.E. Woodrum, her first husband of 53 years, robert “bob” connell, and her second husband of 10 years, earl “rusty” stalnaker.

Jody was a graduate of stonewall jackson high school and west virginia university, where she earned a degree in economics and business administration, was president of chi omega sorority and elected to phi beta kappa.

She served as a city council representative on charleston city council for over 21 years, from 1977 to 1999, as councilwoman from the 14th ward. During that time, she served as president of council (1995-99), chairman of the planning committee and traffic committee and as a member of the finance committee.

As council member, jody was involved in all aspects of planning, including development of the civic center, town center, ashton place and south ridge. During and after her time on council, she served as a member of the charleston planning commission. She did so for 17 years, from 1988 to 2005, including a term as chairman (1999 to 2001). She also was the planning commission representative on the east end historical review board for six years, and served on the historical landmarks commission.

Jody was an active member of the charleston baptist temple, where she served as chair and member of numerous boards and committees. Her other community involvement included the community music board — for which she co-chaired the annual “goodnight” new year’s eve celebrations — the dar, and the daymark board of directors.

She worked at woodrum’s home outfitting company after college. She returned to work as a teacher at baptist temple pre-school from 1969 to 1979, then as a medical assistant for dr. George v. Hamrick, m.D., and later the eye and ear clinic from 1979 to 1999.

Jody lived the last 11 years of her life at edgewood summit, where she served as the president of the residents’ association and then on the board of directors.

Jody is survived by her daughter carrie connell bullock, of winston-salem, north carolina, and her sons gary connell (brenda), of buckhannon, west virginia, and dana connell (laura) of winnetka, illinois, by seven grandchildren, anna blair bullock, thomas bullock, jessica connell gross (rob), ben connell, sarah connell pucillo (will), lindsay connell farley (bill), and jane connell, and by five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four stepdaughters, laura lenhart, amy hall, rebecca miller and sara casingal and their families.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.M., sunday, may 7, at calvary baptist church, 510 maryland avenue, due to scheduling conflicts at home church. Visitation will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the baptist temple memorial fund or kanawha hospice care.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Barlowbonsall.Com.

Barlow bonsall funeral home has been entrusted with the arrangements.