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John Boddie Obituary
Father Boddie, the son of James Boddie and Ernestine Henderson, was born July 11, 1958, in Newport News as the third of nine children. He was raised by his grandmother, Esther Boddie, who introduced him to the Catholic religion by taking him to St. Alphonsus Church in Newport News, which later merged with St. Vincent De Paul.
Upon his graduation from Peninsula Catholic High School in 1977, he attended St. Meinrads College in Indiana for pre-seminary work. From there, he entered St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore in 1983.
He was ordained on May 14, 1988, and initially assigned to Our Lady of Nazareth Parish in Roanoke as an Assistant Priest. From there he served at St. Paul's in Richmond for two years as an Assistant Priest and subsequently was transferred to the Church of the Holy Spirit in Virginia Beach.
After a sabbatical, in 1997, he became the pastor of the Catholic parishes in Middlesex and Mathews counties, where he has faithfully served the parishioners for almost 12 years.
Stricken with cancer almost two years ago, he valiantly fought the disease while enrolled in an experimental program at Duke University until his untimely death just a few days after celebrating his 21st year as an ordained priest.
He is survived by his parents; four sisters, Vanessa, Sharon, Leona and Anna Boddie; and three brothers, Michael, Kenneth, and Lonnie Boddie. One of his siblings, James Boddie, passed away several years ago.
"Father John" was a brilliant homilist, often sought as a guest priest or speaker by other churches and denominations throughout the Middle Peninsula and Richmond communities. Beloved by all, he was widely known for his care and concern for the sick and homebound, visiting them frequently and enlightening their lives by his presence. He extended his ministry to the regional jail with success and gratitude. Because of his endearing personality and the respect he displayed for the Sacraments of Baptism and Marriage, Catholics from parishes apart from his often requested he give those Sacraments to them.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to either one of his churches' building funds.
Friends may pay their respects to Father Boddie from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 22, at the Church of the Visitation at 8426 General Puller Highway (Route 33) in Topping. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by His Excellency the Most Reverend Francis X. DiLorenzo, Bishop of Richmond, at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Church of Francis De Sales at 176 Lover's Lane in Mathews.
Burial will immediately follow at the Church of the Visitation Cemetery. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Boddie
Judi Thomas
May 17, 2010
Just wanted to let all know that to honor John's memory, I went for a skin cancer check. To my amazement, they found a skin cancer that was not at all visible. I encourage all of you to go for a skin check and hold John in your thoughts as you do. I feel that John acted to save my life in his very special way.
Kathy Carney-Willard
June 13, 2009
As our Shepherd, Fr. John was ALWAYS teaching us.
Even as we prepared for his funeral, he was teaching me.
Peg asked me to make deviled eggs for the reception after the funeral. On my way home from the pre-funeral preparations I purchased two dozen eggs. While boiling the eggs, one had a small crack so I went to my supply and added one. As I looked into the large pot of eggs, 23 were white and one was brown. I smiled knowing that he was emphasizing that on the outside we may be different, but on the inside we are all the same. He was our brown shelled egg in the midst of all the white ones.
I could not help but smile.
Yes, Fr. John, your Spirit is with me now.
June 2, 2009
The light of Christ shone through Fr John and I was one of the many that had the privilege of being confirmed in the faith, married by him and having him officiate at my daughter's wedding. He was a good friend as well as spiritual advisor to my husband as well as myself. We count ourselves amoung the lucky ones to have him in our lives. - Pattie & John Sobieski
May 29, 2009
We are making a memory book of FAther John at the Church of the Visitation. If you have thoughts or pictures to share, please email them to the church at [email protected]. We would love to have as many entries as possible. Thank you!!!
Marvin & Bonnie Heimbach
May 28, 2009
John was an amazing person! Both my husband, Marvin and I have many fond memories of him. We met him in Marvin's first year as Director of Jamestown 4-H Camp. Marvin saw leadership abilities in John early on and promoted him to be activities director. Even in these early years, he had a major impact on people's lives as he worked with the kids and staff. His positive influence will live on and he will be greatly missed by many.
Patrice Firth Hughes
May 28, 2009
John, you were a bright and brilliant Voice in this sometimes crazy World...a Voice of Truth and Conscience and Hope. This World is a far better place for having had you in it. You will always be a part of our lives...Peace.
Christopher Connell
May 26, 2009
As an occasional visitor to Middlesex County, what a privilege it was to attend Sunday Mass at the Church of the Visitation offered by Father Boddie and to hear him preach. My deepest sympathy to his family, brother and sister religious and parishioners.
Deidre Firth Sharp
May 26, 2009
I grew up with John in Newport News - we used to walk from Stuart Gardens, where I lived, to St. Vincent de Paul's Church to visit and participate in the summer youth programs together - I was about 11, John was 12 - we attended Peninsula Catholic together as well - I remember when he entered the seminary - I told him I had always known he'd become priest - our lives took us in very different directions (me sailing around the world and running a horse rescue in RI and he being a priest) but our friendship was constant - despite the knowledge of his valiant battle with cancer, I really didn't expect him to pass away. John, I will miss you!
Peace all ways
Genevieve Obarski
May 25, 2009
To the Family and Friends of John Boddie,
My partner Helen and I both have very poignant memories of the courage of spirit displayed by John. We remember two particular instances at his parishes in Mathews and Middlesex where his actions brought us to tears. The first was during the many First Communion liturgies we attended where he would look each innocent little girl and boy in the eyes and say "Remember, that no matter what you do during your life, do not let ANYONE ever tell you that you are not welcome at the table of the Lord." Of course he said this more for the grown-ups than for the kids and it was particularly meaningful for us. The second incredible act we witnessed was during a homily he gave around the time a few years ago when Virginia voters were considering, and eventually passed, the contitutional ammendment to take rights away from gay couples. For the homily, Father Boddie read aloud a letter from the 1960's that was written from a Catholic bishop to diocesan priests in Richmond. The letter warned the priests that they were not to be complicit in performing any mariages between biracial couples. The letter he read used the words "biracial couple" several times. It was obvious that people in the church listening to Father Boddie read this letter were thinking it was very outdated and that bigotry like that did not exist any more in Virginia. When he finished reading the letter he told the congregation to put the words "same sex couple" in the letter in place of "biracial couple." The congregation sat in silence and absorbed the meaning of his words. My partner and I and the friends we attended church with that day, another gay couple, were amazed by the courage of his simple act. We always knew we would be welcomed into Father Boddie's parish, if not into the other parishes in the diocese. We cried today just remembering those interactions with him and feel especially fortunate to have crossed paths with such a fine and inspirational person as John Boddie. Thank you for sharing him with us and our sympathies to you on the loss of your favorite son.
Genevieve Obarski and Helen Lathrop
Stacey Smith
May 25, 2009
I met Father John, along with some of his parisheners, on his most recent trip to the emergency room. The dedication, love and support shown to Father John by these parisheners and fellow Men of God deeply touched my heart. In only knowing him in such a short time I found that no matter what may ail you- keep your faith in Him as he will lead you home, away from the pain and suffering. During his ER visit- he maintained his faith, showed his love for all things... and I saw how much he was cared for by so many. I am grateful that I was allowed to stay and pray with guests at the bedside, participating in the Lord's Prayer- In these moments- Father John taught me that Love is real, that Faith is Strong and to lean on God when you need him most. Thank you Father John for teaching even when you were so ill.
Dorothy Dick
May 25, 2009
Father John brought back my faith and helped me keep it for the last five years. Without him it would have been a different five years. His homilies and words of inspiration and encouragement kept me going through the difficult times. Knowing he was raised by his grandmother and the loving relationship he had with her gave me the courage to believe I could do the same in raising my grandson. When I was diagnosed with cancer it was a devastating time for me. Father John told me to fight the battle for my grandson. I did and I won; I only wish John could have also won that battle. My prayers for John over the last 2 1/2 years for total healing have finally been answered although not as I wanted, but after all, it's not about what I wanted. He will always live on in my heart and I know he would be proud of all those he touched by how they continue his work.
Bernadette Pittman-Campbell
May 25, 2009
To the Boddie family,
I remember John from the days of Peninsula Catholic High School. John was one of those kids that you always knew would go places. His smile and laughter lit up the halls. His caring attitude was a reflection of the Lord in his life even when we were teens. Our Lord has welcomed home His son and we can be sure He said "well done, good and faithful servant".
Donna Young Whitley
May 24, 2009
Oh John, we hardly knew ye...50 years was not enough. Charlie and I loved you more than you knew, although we had the good sense to say it to each other many times. We will miss you, your smile and your song. You support was unflagging. I appreciate it and cherish the memories of the time we spent together. Godspeed my good friend.
Jeanne Herrmann
May 24, 2009
John's death has deeply affected my family and me. We met when he was a teenager and he came with another friend to our home. He was my children's older brother, and we all loved and respected him. I watched while he was ordained a deacon and later a priest--was so proud and pleased for him. We also watched many Redskins games together. When they won one of their Super Bowls, we drove to D.C. to cheer and welcome them home. When my daughter was diagnosed with cancer recently, in spite of his battle with the same disease, he drove here to give her the sacrament of the sick. I know that God has welcomed him home, but he will be so sorely missed.
Lisa Thibault
May 23, 2009
Father John said a funeral mass for my mother just one year ago. I saddens me to hear of his death; I was counting on seeing him again and continuing our conversation. I only knew him most briefly, but I feel a deep loss.
Jim Meyers
May 23, 2009
I will miss you John. We grew up together working at the 4-H camp. We grew up together telling silly jokes, caring for kids, playing mud football, and singing Aretha Franklin songs while doing the camp dishes. We grew up together sharing and arguing about politics, the Church, who was the best running back of all time (you always said it was number 32), whether a black man would ever be president (oh yeah!), women priests (for it, of course) and the love he had for his parishioners. John married Kate and I and always gave us his blessings. John was a dear friend and I will miss him tremendously.
Amy George Nuchesi
May 22, 2009
I was very sad to get this news today. My family were members of Our Lady of Nazareth when Fr. John came to the parish. He was a wonderful man and did so much for the church. He will hold a special place in our hearts and many other's I'm sure. He had a knack for making a difference in people's lives. God Bless him and his family.....
Eileen Fennell
May 22, 2009
I am so sorry you lost your battle to this dreaded disease. You will be missed by so many. I am glad I had the pleasure to meet you in this life. Hope to see you in the next one as well!
Frank & Pamela McKinney
May 22, 2009
Father John Boddie was a special priest to our family. My children loved his homilies and felt closer to the church because of Fr. Boddie. The young people were very fond of Fr. Boddie and he made church exciting for them. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. May he rest in God's care
Sheree Gatling-Alston & Family
May 22, 2009
I didnt know Father Boddie. My daughter and I visited his church once and was warmly welcomed by everyone. The parishoners helpful and friendly. It was announced that he was ill and the family that was sitting next to me on each side in front of me and behind me were so upset. It was obvious that they loved him. I will never forget that Sunday. He wasnt expected to be there. A Christening was about to take place and in walks Father Boddie the parents and the parishoners alike were so happy to see him. His presence generated so much excited that it carried over after he left which was immediately after the Christening. The way his parishoners reacted to his presence and the way they warmly received me and my daughter to me spoke volumes about him. My daughter and I are deeply saddened that we never got to make his acquaintance. To his parishoners and his family you have our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy.
ROBBIE BEASLEY
May 22, 2009
FR.JOHN HAD SUCH INFLUENCE ON MY SISTER BETTY KNEZ.IN THE DAYS BEFORE HER DEATH, SHE CHOOSE HIS FAITH AND THAT OF HER CHILDREN.I WANTED THAT FOR HER BECAUSE I KNOW THAT SHE RECEIVED THE PEACE THAT SHE NEEDED TO COMPLETE HER EARTHLY JOURNEY.BLESSINGS, TO THOSE HIS LIVE MADE A DIFFERENCE. ROBBIE BEASLEY
John Dixon
May 22, 2009
Our thoughts, prayers, and many wonderful memories will be with Father Boddie and his family. We shall miss him.
John and Patti Dixon, Gwynn, Virginia
EJ Cooley
May 22, 2009
To the family of Fr. John Boddie; please know his St. Elizabeth family will miss his huge heart and his even bigger smile. God bless and strength all of you.
Cindy Jager
May 22, 2009
Fr John was a very dear friend of mine from his early Roanoke days. He was a wonderful support to my family during some tough times, and some happy ones. I praise God for the gift He gave us in that time spent. We will NEVER forget Fr. John or the impact he had on all our lives. Love in Christ to all his relatives and to his church families who no doubt share in the great pain of his loss. Heaven surely won this round!
Paulette Carter
May 22, 2009
To the Boddie Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you, Payne!
Your 12th Street Family (Ms. Rie, Duke, Bubba, and Paulette)
Warren Vietoris
May 22, 2009
Father Boddie
I was about to send you some old photos from Richmond but I am too late. I must remember that life is short and we must not count on tommorow to always being there and that doing something good for your fellow man should not wait for a pause in a so called busy schedule. Your 'extrordinary work' will always be remembered by me.
Bettie Sheets
May 22, 2009
As a convert to the Catholic Faith, I have had the distinct honor of being confirmed by Fr. John, and having him baptize each of my 8 children. He always had such a look of pure joy when he baptized a child, what a beautiful memory.
He often challenged certain teachings of the church, and I struggled with it at times. In the end, I accepted his passion and conviction because he was so genuine. Overall, it is how he gave of himself with no limits that is what defined him.
I have been singing the hymn, "I Have Loved You" since Tuesday...it was my favorite to hear him sing. I thank God for Fr. John's love and dedication. He will forever be in the hearts of all who knew him.
Judi Thomas
May 22, 2009
To the Family of John- He will be truly missed. I've known John since his days at St. Elizabeth's and he was a remarkable man. The church and indeed this life on earth is poorer for our loss but richer for the time we had him.
Beulah Davis, LSW, Riverside Hospice
May 22, 2009
Family of the Late Father Boddie,
I met Father Boddie while I worked at the Riverside Hospice in Gloucester (1999-2001). He was so very helpful as we teamed up to assist our patient and his parishioner.
I was impressed by his spiritual and social presence. He was a comfort to the patient and family member and, definitely, to me.
I remember him telling me back then of how proud he was of his nephew Michael Vick. He had a smile on his face that exuded love.
I was so sorry to learn of Father Boddie's passing. His legacy of love, faith and compassion will live on as a reminder/roadmap for all of us to follow.
Heather Wright
May 22, 2009
We all will miss you at Rcc-Saluda House
Hermenia Porter
May 22, 2009
To the Boddie Family: John Boddie (also known as "Payne"), our former neighbor from many years ago was a kind and gentle person with a wonderful mild disposition. He wil be dearly missed.
Veronica Archer
May 22, 2009
To Fr. John Boddie's family..Remember what a good person and priest that your loved one grew to be. I met John when he was a seminarian, assigned to St.Elizabeth in Richmond. I was the
secretary & we had several meaningful conversations on life, spirituality, & the church. He had a very caring, priestly demeanor and a great concern for the elderly, those in need, and the sick/shut-in of the parish. I especially remember & admired the way he always spoke so lovingly of his grandmother & I told him that I hope my grandchildren would remember me as he did his grandmother. He was a good & faithful Servant of God to the end! Rest in Peace now, Fr. John Derrick Boddie.
Judy Sorey-Lassiter
May 21, 2009
Father Boddie will be missed by everyone who knew him. I am happy that I went to mass for his last sermon at Francis de Sales. I enjoyed his homilies and singing more than any others. My prayers go to the family of this great man whom I am sure is in heaven singing with the angels.
Battinto Batts, Sr
May 21, 2009
To the Family: My Deepest Sympathy in the Loss of Your Loved One.
Father John will be missed by all who knew him.
Marie Anania
May 21, 2009
I was saddened to hear of the death of Father John. I enjoyed his homilies when he was a visiting priest at St. Joan of Arc. I know he will be truly missed at his parish and the surrounding area. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Amy and David Powell
May 21, 2009
Father John performed our wedding ceremony in 2001 and baptized our first child in 2006. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be truly missed.
Karen Jennings
May 21, 2009
We have lost a wonderful,kind, person who was such a good friend! I know that John is conversing with his grandmother and she welcomed him with open arms! With all my love.
Beverly Lehman
May 21, 2009
You left us too soon, John. But not OUR will. East End Newport News should be very proud of you and Lloyd. Gosh...you singing and Lloyd dancing - what a celebration. Love
Richard & Catherine Bulle
May 21, 2009
We all have suffered a great loss. We first met John when he came to our senior youth religious education class to talk about his Christian Awakening Weekend. He was 15 and he has become our dear friend. We watched him grow from a happy cheerful teenager, to a seminarian, to a young priest, to a pastor and a great servant of our God. We have supported him with prayers and our presence along his journey. He has supported us with his prayers, presence and officiating our daughter's wedding.
Our prayers goes out to his family, friends and parishes. We hope he can continue his ministry in heaven.
Fr. Chris Hoffmann
May 21, 2009
Fr. John was a good friend of mine in seminary. I know that he touched many people's lives. May God grant him eternal light and peace.
Michael Gatling "glueboy"
May 21, 2009
To the Boddie Family:
Please, as continued friends of mine, accept my sincere condolences and my warmest respect for the passing of your love one, Father John D. Boddie. The passing away of him is hurtful because I have known him and his family for over 30 years as we grew up together in Newport News, VA. I have always known and also assumed that he would be a honest and respectful individual, to include his faith. God bless!!
May 21, 2009
we will miss you very much keep you in my pray lord here air pray maryann, keith, jeff, melissa, kenny, granmother, and lauren lipscomb
Lisa Brown
May 21, 2009
A wonderful minister. Father John baptised my son. I will remember his beautiful signing, louder than the choir. My thoughts and prayers to his church family and family
Mitch & Barbara Krebs
May 21, 2009
Our condolences to the Boddie family. When we were in the area visiting relatives, we would attend the Church of the Visitation, and we always enjoyed his messages and his warm outreach to guests. He will be missed not only by his parish but even by those who only saw him a few times a year.
Leslie Krom
May 21, 2009
Father John touched the lives of so many people, we all mourn his loss. I consider myself privileged to have know him, and am so happy that my kids had the opportunity to know him. He taught them how to experience God in so many ways.
I will miss the dinners, meetings, and sermons, as well as the quick conversations before and after Mass, as he was running in and out. Most of all I will miss the huge spirit that he brought to everything he did.
Venus Glover
May 21, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
May 21, 2009
Eternal rest grant him, O Lord. Elizabeth Cunningham
Michele Oliver
May 21, 2009
I am forever in Father John's debt for rekindling my love for the church and our religion. He has been such a driving force in my life for the past twelve years as pastor of our church. I truly needed to hear his message. He will be missed tremendously by everyone fortunate enough to be touched by his love. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are mourning his death.
Love,
Shelly, Richard, Matt and Jon Oliver
Patti and Dave Ballance
May 21, 2009
We attended Church of the Visitation briefly while living in Urbanna and were immediately drawn close to the parish by Father John's charisma and God-given gift of delivering His holy word. His loss will be deeply felt by so many; but the reward of seeing his God would be his fervent wish. May God bless you, Father John.
Donna Jessup
May 21, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with all that were close to Father John Boddie. I have know John is I was 5 years old being a close friend of my uncle. He will be sadly missed. God Bless.
Rose Hamby (formerly Porter)
May 21, 2009
My deepest condolences to the Boddie family. We knew John (we called him "Payne") from the neighborhood where we grew up next door. He was a very kind and gentle person who demonstrated his deep religious zeal. May God be with you all.
Leonard Edloe
May 21, 2009
The Antioch Baptist Church, Susan, would like to express our condolences to both the family and the congregations of Father Boddie. While we had not fellowshipped together for some time, Father Boddie was always welcomed at Antioch and loved the meals we shared. Our prayers are will all of you at this time.
Pastor Edloe
Steve & Debbie Whiteway
May 21, 2009
We will always remember Fr. Boddie for the love and caring approach he brought to his vocation. He supported us and cared for us in our times of need. He opened minds to human possibilities every week. He even taught us how to die gracefully. May God bless him.
Sara Walker
May 21, 2009
Few people have had such a lasting impact on my life as Father John did. As a Catholic coming of age in his parish, I sought out Father John on several occasions to discuss my faith and always came away with peace of mind and reassurance. I will always remember him fondly. His family and the families at St. Francis and Visitation are in my thoughts and prayers.
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