Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at Friendship Baptist Church for Mrs. Mary Louise “Jody” Strider, 77, of Grenada, who peacefully passed away on Friday, Sept. 27, at her residence with her family by her side. Burial will follow in the Strider Family Plot in Smith Cemetery in the Rosebloom Community of Tallahatchie County. Her son, the Rev. Skeeter Strider will officiate. Bro Ricky Williamson II will assist and her brother-in-law, Burns Strider, will offer a eulogy. The family will receive friends from noon until service time on Monday, Sept. 30, at Friendship Baptist Church.
Jody was born on Feb. 9, 1947, in Carroll County, the daughter of the late Raymond and the late Gladys Jefferies Smith. She worked for a number of years at Heatcraft in Grenada, but found her greatest pleasure in being a homemaker. She was blessed with a natural tendency to “mother” any child that came in contact with her. She was actively involved in all aspects of her children’s activities when they were growing up and stepped up to support her husband as he served as Grenada County’s Sheriff for more than 20 years.
Jody also enjoyed applying her hand to the written word and wrote numerous essays, short stories and poems. Jody was deeply grounded in her faith and enjoyed attending worship services any time she was able. While her absence leaves a hole in the hearts of those who loved her, we find comfort in knowing that her faith has now become sight and her suffering is no more.
In addition to her parents, her brother, Larry Smith, and son-in-law, Daniel Sossaman Sr., preceded Jody in death.
Survivors include, her husband, Sheriff Alton Strider; daughter, Annette Sossaman of Scobey; sons, William Strider (Jessica) of Enid and the Rev. Jesse “Skeeter” Strider (Kelley) of Eupora; 10 grandchildren, Daniel Sossaman Jr., Bailey Sossaman (Samantha), Madison Marberry, Harley Crenshaw (William), Brooklynn Strider, Jynn Strider, Tyler Strider, Wes Strider, Taylor Strider and Matthew Strider and four great grandchildren.
William Crenshaw, Tony Dunn, Eddie Moorman, Shannon Siklas, Bailey Sossaman and Daniel Sossaman Jr. will honor Jody by serving as pallbearers and carry her to rest in Smith Cemetery. Jody’s Friday Beauty Shop Crew will serve as honorary pallbearers. They include, Robbie Bonner, Tammy Grant, Cathy Hale, Betty Maxey and Edna McDaniel-Richardson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to West Eupora Church of God.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada is in charge of arrangements.
