Mary Jennie Bodard

New Franklin resident, Mary Jennie Bodard, age 71, passed away at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO on March 26, 2023 of complications from covid pneumonia.

Mary Jennie Bodard was born May 30, 1951 in Columbia, MO, a daughter of the late Jack Paul and Eva Janette (Tripp) Bodard. Survivors include her two siblings, Bill (Carole) Bodard of Columbia, MO and Susy Bodard Long of Warren, OH; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. 

She is also survived by her close friend, Mary (Alex) Fife of Armstrong, MO and numerous other close friends. In addition to her parents, Mary Jennie was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Bodard.

She attended Hickman High School and graduated with the class of 1969.  She continued her education earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 1974 from Columbia College, Columbia. She also graduated from College of the Word with a certificate in Biblical studies and leadership training in 1983.

She worked as a job coach helping with employment placement for most of her professional career. Most of this time, she worked for the non-profit company, Advent.

She had been active in several churches including Grace Church of Mid-Missouri, Columbia; Uncompromised Word Center of both Jefferson City and Columbia; and Faith Family Church, Fayette. She served in children’s church, music, praise, worship, and prayer ministries. She was a gifted Bible study teacher and facilitator.

One of her greatest gifts to the world was her love for her friends. She spent time avidly praying for those who sent her prayer requests. She didn’t just pray, she interceded and then relayed what God had told her or shown her.

A memorial service honoring the life of MaryJennie Bodard will be 10 AM, Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette, MO, with Revs. Jamie Page and Joyce Lighari officiating. Inurnment will be held privately, at the convenience of the family.

An additional Celebration of Life Service for MaryJennie Bodard will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Cedar Creek Resort Center, 3251 Pine Tree Drive, Columbia MO. For more information or directions call 573-239-8336.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Global Mission Mobilization Initiative (GMMI), c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.

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