2
trees
planted in memory of Jody Marie Shapkoff
Obituary for Jody Marie Shapkoff
Jody Marie Shapkoff, 78, of Leesville, LA, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 surrounded by her family. Nana, as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren, was born on September 3, 1944 in Alexandria, LA and was a lifelong resident of Leesville. She graduated from Leesville High School in 1962 and attended Northwestern State University for two years. Jody’s life was devoted to her family. She was so proud of her five children. She was their greatest cheerleader; never missing a ball game, dance recital or important event in their lives. She was their strongest prayer warrior, praying constantly for God’s best for each of them. Jody was their rock and refuge, creating a home full of love and comfort. Her greatest source of joy was her six grandchildren. Their Nana was their hero, teaching them to live a life defined by selflessness, compassion, and kindness. Every evening you could find her in her favorite recliner cheering on her LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints or watching Cash Cab, Jeopardy or another game show. No matter what she was watching, she always took the time to call each of her children and grandchildren to make sure all was well in their lives. Her grandchildren thought she hung the moon and was a true angel on Earth. Now, she will forever be their guardian angel in Heaven. Jody shared her love for others through her words and her food. By far the favorite gift that each of her family members received on their birthdays was a card with a handwritten message that filled every inch of open space on the card and always left them in tears. The love that she poured into every word will continue to remind them of the incredible love that she had for each of them. Her food was something special as well. You never left Jody’s home without having eaten a delicious, home cooked meal. She always cooked more than what was needed and happily fed her children’s friends and later her grandchildren’s friends as well. The unconditional love that Jody showed to every individual she came in contact with was an extension of the love she had for her precious Savior, Jesus Christ. Jody was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Christine Anders; in-laws, Jim and Victoria Shapkoff, Sr.; sons, Jim “Jimbo” Shapkoff III and Jason Shapkoff. Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 59 years, Jim Shapkoff, Jr.; daughters, Felicia Cavanaugh of Anacoco, LA and Jayda (Kris) Pfaehler of West Columbia, SC; son, Tony Shapkoff of Leesville; grandchildren, Cortney (Cade) Gault of Stonewall, LA, Jessica Cavanaugh of Leesville, Kirstin Pfaehler of Columbia, SC, Katelyn (Blake) Wilber of Lake Charles, LA, Noah (Lexi) Shapkoff of Leesville, and Bella Shapkoff of Leesville; special aunt, Glee Ruddock of Richmond, TX, and a host of cousins and friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Leesville from 1:00 – 2:00 PM with the service following immediately after at 2:00 PM. Bro. Daniel Lowe, Rev. Oscar Joiner, Rev. Maurice Johnson, and Tony Tillman will officiate. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Leesville under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jody’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org or 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (supporting.afsp.org or 199 Water Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038), or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105). The family wishes to send a special thank you to Hospice of Leesville (Katherine Buck, Sharon Terry, Rachel Holten, Arcelia Hargrove, Kayla Stephens, Sheila Sepulvado, Jessica Nunez, Keva Hale, Alexis Sepulvado, Keara Crouse, and Megan Antony) for their care of Jody during her fight with Alzheimer’s. They would also like to thank Pat Belsha, Kathy Johnson, departed angel Debbie Prewitt, and lifelong family friend Robin Horton for their support through these last few years. They loved Jody like their own and showed great compassion to her and the entire family.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
28
Apr
1:00 PM
- 2:00 PM
First Baptist Church of Leesville
1400 Nolan Trace
Leesville, LA 71446
Funeral
Friday
28
Apr
2:00 PM
First Baptist Church of Leesville
1400 Nolan Trace
Leesville, LA 71446
Cemetery Details
Location
Forest Lawn Cemetery
153 Alexandria Hwy.
Leesville, LA 71446
Memorial Contribution
Charity of Your Choice
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jody’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org or 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (supporting.afsp.org or 199 Water Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038), or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).
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