Idella Fallaw Bodie

AIKEN, SC – IDELLA FALLAW BODIE, 93, beloved wife of James Edwin Bodie, Sr., died Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at Pepper Hill Nursing and Rehab Center.

     A native of Ridge Spring, Idella was a daughter of the late Robert Grady and Grace P Fallaw.  She graduated from Ridge Spring High School and Columbia College. 

     In 1947 she married her high school sweetheart, Jimmie Bodie who remained loving and devoted for 71 years. 

     Idella taught in public schools for over 30 years in Pageland, West Columbia and Aiken.  She retired from South Aiken High School in 1985.  She was the author of 25 books for young readers, her first, The Secret of Telfair Inn was published in 1971.  She also wrote many articles for Guideposts Magazine.  

     She received numerous awards, including the Wil Lou Gray Educator Award from her alma mater Columbia College, the Toastmaster Communication and Leadership Award, Pickens-Salley Southern Woman of Distinction, several DAR awards and the South Carolina Senate Award for Service to the Young Readers of SC.

     She was a long-time member of St. John’s United Methodist Church.

     Survivors, in addition to her husband, Jim, include three children, Susanne and Bob Rhoden, Aiken, John and Frankie Bodie, Lake Murray, Beth and Walter Eubanks, Augusta; 12 grandchildren, Russ and Jennifer Bodie, Mary Leslie and John Whitehead, Jason and Hannah Bodie, Jimmy Rhoden, Charles and Kristy Eubanks, Daniel and Lauren Eubanks, Sarah and Jason Pociask, Tricia Eubanks, Michael and Brooks Eubanks, Brad and Ashley Dennis, Courie and Aimee Dennis, Joseph Dennis; 21 great-grandchildren.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Edwin Bodie; daughter-in-law, Brenda Bodie; sister, Louise Fallaw Lewis; brother Guy Fallaw who was killed in action while serving in the Navy during World War II.

     A memorial service will be held Friday afternoon, January 4th at 2 o’clock at St. John’s United Methodist Church with The Revs. Dr. W. Timothy McClendon and Nancy Creswell Reed officiating.  Private inurnment will be in the church’s columbarium.  A reception will immediately follow the service in Ward Hall.

     The family would like to thank Tidewater Hospice and the caregivers at Pepper Hill and Harbor Chase for their caring and compassionate service.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St., NW, Aiken, SC 29801 or to the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St., Aiken, SC 29801.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC