Jo Carole Jones Harding-Ferris, Jodie, was a true Fort Worth native and lifelong resident of the city. Jodie passed away peacefully on Saturday August 31, 2024. She was 89 years old and would have celebrated her 90th birthday this October 18th. Jodie was a life long, active member of several civic organizations including Forest Hill Elementary PTO, Tarrant County Medical Auxilliary, Fort Worth Junior Woman’s/Woman’s Club, Church Circle Group St. Andrews Catholic Church, Colonial Country Club and TGIT (Thank God It’s Tuesday) Bridge Club.
Jodie was known for her kind heart, sharp wit, and unwavering dedication and support to her family and community. She was born of humble beginnings to Ola Marie (Garrett) and Gordon H. Jones, and beloved sister, Gordon Lee Jones Baker (Glee).
Born October 18, 1934, Jodie grew up as a Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and ultimately Catholic in her life. Throughout her life Jodie had enormous faith in God, family and friends. She truly “walked the talk” and leaned on her Faith throughout her long and sometimes challenging life.
As a youth, Jodie was educated in the Fort Worth public school system and developed a love for music early on and found herself playing the violin for years as a member of the All-City High School Orchestra. After graduating from Paschal High School, Jodie attended Arlington State College, later known as UTA. She eventually graduated TCU Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in medical technology in 1956.
Jodie’s work life was diverse and successful no matter the career choice and skills required in each of her roles as a working Mother of three daughters. She began her career as a medical lab technician at Harris Hospital, Arlington Memorial Hospital, Carter Blood Bank and helped establish a lab in her husband’s Family Physician’s Clinic in Fort Worth. And Jodie also enjoyed many years at the Dallas Apparel Market in sales and modeling.
Jodie married Robert Joseph Harding, MD in 1957 and they had three beautiful daughters. Michelle Streck (Fred), Lori Johson (Matt), Leslie Distler (Richard). Jodie and Bob’s love life started at First Methodist Church and Harris Methodist Hospital. Together, they raised their three daughters and provided them with an excellent education within the schools of Trinity Valley School and Country Day School. Each daughter graduated college, with two of them from TCU in Fort Worth, and another from LSU in Baton Rouge. Jodie and her family had a full, loving life of family gatherings, ski trips, ranch activity, selling baked goods at the Clinic with a fun business name of Rockin’ Doc Bakery and Rockin’ Doc Jewelry. Jodie and Bob had wonderful times together in the medical social community in Fort Worth for many years, were partners in a bridge club together for many years, and a host of other meaningful life adventures. Jodie was there for everyone and was always willing to help, defend, love, forgive and lead when times were challenging.
Tragically, Bob died when Jodie was 43. To say this was a turning point in Jodie’s life is an understatement. Jodie attributed her strong faith in God and through countless prayers and opportunities among friends and family that allowed her to rise from this tragedy and ultimately succeed as a realtor/broker in Fort Worth for almost 40 years. Her daughters were equally challenged to rise above this life event and leaned on Jodie and supported her through everything.
The next chapter of Jodie’s incredible life came about when she met Jack Ferris, a widower, whom she married in 1984. Jack was a fun-loving person and brought a genuine joy and happiness to Jodie and her daughter’s lives for 23 years. Jack brought 4 children and numerous grandchildren to her life that added love and memories immeasurably over time for both families. Jack passed away in 2007 from Parkinson’s disease and joined his first wife Katie.
Jodie was a huge fan of the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs throughout her life and enjoyed season tickets that originated in the Turnpike Stadium of Arlington with her husband Bob.
Jodie is survived by her three daughters and nine grandchildren Fred Streck IV, Bob Streck MD (Brennan), Joe Streck (Marlowe), Sam Streck DO (Fiance Jessika), Garrett Johson (Erin) and Brenna Johnson, Ivy, Kimberlee, and Dacy Distler and great granddaughter Caroline Streck.
Jodie is remembered as a brave, resilient, accepting, strong, loving person who touched the lives of everyone she met. She is deeply missed, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and the community she loved so dearly.