JoAnn “Jody” Young McAtee, 86, of Beaumont, passed away on December 11, 2015. After years of living gracefully and independently, while dealing with the unrelenting pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis, she died peacefully at St. Elizabeth Hospital, shortly after suffering a massive stroke.

Jody was born in Houston, Texas on February 28, 1929, to Nell Frances James Young and Floyd Hobart Young and was the youngest of 4 children. She graduated from Lamar High School in Houston in 1946. As a young career girl, Jody was a milliner for a department store in Rice Village. She married, James Errol McAtee in 1953 and they moved to Beaumont as newlyweds. She was very active in the community, using her “God given ability” to always put an artful flair on everything she touched. She never hesitated to share her artistic abilities. Jody sewed, crafted, decorated, designed, taught classes, created the atmosphere for a variety of events, and assisted with bridal veils and wedding details. She had an entrepreneurial spirit and was always creating things to market, like a ladies’ home tool kit, that hangs in many a laundry room to this day.

Jody was an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. She taught Sunday school for many years, was a member of St. Hilda’s Guild and worked on the Chili Supper and Bazaar. She was an active volunteer at her children’s school, Longfellow Elementary, serving on the PTA and putting on school carnivals. The YWCA, Beaumont Heritage Society, the Art Museum of SE Texas, and The Texas Energy Museum were among the many organizations that she devoted her time. Jody was a mentor to many young volunteers that went on to do great things in their own right. She was a member of the Mary Howell Garden Club and served in many leadership rolls over the years.

Jody loved the family that she grew up in and the special, unique time in our country’s history. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren and loved them all dearly. She loved to plan trips for us, so we could be together and build memories. She had a strong, “power of positive thinking” attitude and a strong Faith that she greatly embraced for all of the situations that she faced. Jody had the greatest laugh and generous spirit and left a legacy of laughter, her greatest gift. She was a very unique soul.

Jody, or “Joju” as the grandchildren called her, was preceded in death, by her parents; her older brothers, James Young and Milton Young; her husband, Jim McAtee; and her first born infant daughter. It gives us great joy that she will be reunited with these loved ones.

Jody is survived by her daughter, Nancy McAtee McGrade and her husband, Steve McGrade; son, John McAtee and his wife, Kimberly Williamson McAtee; her greatest joys, her grandchildren, Jane Ellen and Katherine McAtee; and Harris and Nell Alexandra “Zan” McGrade; her loving sister and best friend; Mary Nell Brandt of Chappell Hill, Texas; her beloved nieces and nephews, Marsha Brandt Beckermann, David Brandt, Gary Young, Gilbert Young, Brian Young, Mary Ann Young Harper, and Jayne Young; and sister-in-law, Mary Frances Young.

The family would also like to recognize her special caregiver, Jean Martin, who was with us during our dad’s last years and was such Godsend for Jody in the last few years giving her the ability to remain as independent as possible and in the home that she loved.

A memorial service for Mrs. McAtee will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 17, 2015, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont, with a reception immediately following in The Cloister Room.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church –The Episcopal Church Women, 680 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77701; or All Saints’ Episcopal School, 4108 Delaware Beaumont, Texas 77706.