Joanna Janette "Jody" Eversole

Joanna Janette Eversole, known affectionately as Jody, passed away on September 12, 2024, in Atwater, California, at the age of 89. Born on May 28, 1935, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, she was a daughter to the late Sarah and Charles Keys and grew up alongside her siblings with whom she shared a deep bond.

Jody's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her community and family. She owned and operated Eversole Board and Care, where she took great pride in caring for many memorable residents over the years. Her deep faith was nurtured and expressed at Livingston United Methodist Church, where she was a regular attendee.

An alumna of Stilwell High School, Jody was remembered as the Strawberry Festival Rodeo Queen, a title that reflected her vibrant spirit and community involvement from a young age. After high school, she ventured to California, where she married Jimmie Eversole and started a loving family of two sons and a daughter.

Jody's hobbies included caring for animals and frequenting tag sales, thrift stores, flea markets, and antique sales. She cherished her small family farm, where she raised a variety of animals and enjoyed the company of many cats, especially her cats Sasha and Sugar, and her little dog, Red, who was her most faithful companion.

She is survived by her children, Michael Eversole, Phillip Eversole, and Jimmieann Litke; her sister, Pat Lewis; grandchildren, Marcene Dekofski, Michael Dekofski, Jeremy Eldridge, Danielle Oliveira, Amanda Eversole, Caleb Vance, Sara Vance; and fourteen great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her special nephew and niece, Jack Lee Jr. and Lawanna Lee. Jody was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Clea Lee, brother Jack Keys, ex-husband Jimmie Eversole, and grandson Jacob Eversole.

Services will be held at Merced District Cemetery in the Veterans section on September 24th at 11:00 am. The Whitten Funeral Home in Merced, California, is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Atwater Cat Community in honor of Jody's love for animals. Jody's legacy of kindness, generosity, and service will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.