Joan Elizabeth “Jody” Bryan, 97, of Homer, passed peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Jody was born in rural Homer to Alford and Lizzie Bowen on December 3, 1927. She attended Homer schools and graduated from Homer High School in 1945. She was a member of GAA and the choir. She was also editor of the school newspaper and assistant editor of the yearbook. Jody liked recitations and public speaking as a youth and later as an adult. She was an avid reader and loved to write poetry throughout her entire life. She was also in 4-H and became a 4-H leader as an adult.
Jody married Robert E. Bryan on January 21, 1947. Together, they farmed until retirement in 1998. They enjoyed a lifelong marriage of 74 years until his passing in 2021, setting an example of a beautiful lifetime commitment for their family. Jody loved being a farm wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Their greatest challenge came when Jody contracted polio and they had an 8-month-old baby. She eventually learned to walk again and was truly an inspiration to all who knew her.
Jody and Robert “Bob” had two sons, Jeffrey (Jan) of Guyton, GA, and Bruce (Jami) of Homer, IL. They often said that Jeff and Bruce were the best crops they ever raised. They had four grandchildren, Justin Minick (Cori) of Meridian, MS, Jessica Seckinger (Jimmy) of Rincon, GA, Chase Bryan (Alison) of Sidney, IL, and Bailey Knilands (Timothy) of Allerton, IL. Bob and Jody have five great-grandchildren, Mason Minick of Meridian, MS, Emily Seckinger of Rincon, GA, Caroline Seckinger of Rincon, GA, Ella Minick of Meridian, MS, and Caden Bryan of Sidney, IL. Jody’s greatest joy was indeed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jody and her husband both loved to travel. She visited every state and Canada. They drove to Mexico on their honeymoon. In their younger years, they enjoyed camping, especially with friends and family together. They also showed registered Hereford cattle, a legacy passed down from Bob’s father.
She truly liked being a homemaker and farm life. She kept track of the farm activities until the end of her life. Jody loved flowers, which she shared with the church and her neighbors, and she had a large vegetable garden. She canned and preserved her produce for many years. Jody wrote poetry throughout her life which she compiled into a book that she published and gifted to friends and family. In recent years, she wrote poems for the church newsletter and delighted in being creative again.
Jody was a member of Home Extension, Homer Women’s Club, and Homer Historical Society. She also was a volunteer at Homer Lake. Jody was a member of Homer United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in many other church activities over the years. She truly considered it her extended family. Recently, she was attending the weekly coffee hour at the local library, where she relished friendships old and new.
Jody had several “adopted grandkids” with whom she enjoyed spending time and kept track of their lives until her passing. She also wrote to many of the college students from her church. She felt they needed some encouragement during their first time from home. She would send them cards, jokes, and even cut out comic strips to send them. Jody just loved people, no matter their age or station in life. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.
A visitation will be held Friday, September 26th at Homer United Methodist Church from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, September 27th at Homer United Methodist Church. Pastor Bobbi Dykema will officiate. Jody will be laid to rest in G.A.R. cemetery next to her beloved husband Bob following the service. A luncheon at the church will follow interment. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.
Memorials can be made to Homer United Methodist Church or the Homer Community Library.
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