Obituary

Jody Higgins Malcolm passed away unexpectedly at home in Charleston, WV, on June 21, 2026. She was born in Charleston, WV, on January 9, 1961, to Teresa and T. David Higgins.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Doug; daughter, Krysten (Will Odom) of Charlottesville, VA; mother, Teresa Higgins of Indian Land, SC; sister, Krys Cowens of Bolivia, NC; sister of her heart, Shellee Higgins of Weddington, NC; brothers, Mark Higgins of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, and David Higgins of Charlotte, NC; mother-in-law, Lura Malcolm of Charleston, WV, and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Jody grew up attending public schools in Kanawha County, where she graduated from George Washington High School before going on to receive a BA in Journalism from Marshall University. In 1983, she and Doug married and moved to Lafayette, LA. There, she worked as a display designer for Goudchaux’s Department Store and began her career as an Advertising Account Executive for Sides and Associates.

Returning to Charleston in 1985, Jody joined Charles Ryan Associates as an Account Executive and Media Buyer before starting her own company, Jody H. Malcolm, Inc., where, for twenty-four years, she specialized in media buying and marketing. More recently, Jody worked as Marketing Director for Equidae Insurance – combining work with her passion for all things equine. She was a past member of the Boards of Directors of the Charleston Ballet, the Kanawha Valley Horsemen’s Association, and the Junior League of Charleston.

Jody loved her dogs and provided an extremely comfortable lifestyle for many of them over the years. She was happiest when cuddling with her lap dogs, Barkley and Maggie, giving belly rubs and chin scratches. She was quick to point out that a little drool never hurt anyone.

Another passion was American Saddlebred horses, through which she formed many special friendships. Jody delighted in watching her friends ride but, above all, she loved watching the light of her life, Krysten, in the show ring. The bond that she and Krysten built over their horses was beyond compare. They travelled to and prepared for shows together, sharing a rare mother-daughter relationship of friendship and love.

Her eye for design, color, and attention to detail is on display throughout her and Doug’s home and yard, despite Barkley’s and Maggie’s attempts to otherwise redecorate. She loved helping friends with decorating ideas for their homes almost as much as her own.

Jody adored her friends and their families, as was evidenced by the many cards she mailed, hours she spent on coffee and phone catch-ups, as well as trips and parties she planned. She loved her Caribbean beach vacations with friends – relaxing in the sand, soaking up the sun, and floating endlessly in a lazy river. Her laugh was contagious and her sharp wit kept everyone on their toes.

Memorial service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on July 11, 2026, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 36 Norwood Road, Charleston, WV. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please hug your pets and consider a contribution to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association or the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home is handling arrangements.