Josephine Jodie M. Clarke Lashua of Tryon, NC, died at White Oak Manor on November 19, 2010 after a courageous fight with a debilitating neurological condition.

Jodie was born to Jessica Gladys Parker and William Joseph Clarke on March 15, 1935 in Ashford, Kent, England. She was one of four siblings. She took it as a personal mission to make sure that all her family knew the importance of boiling water to make a good cup of English tea (hot tea, that is) and how important tea was for all that ailed you.

Jodie had many sayings that her children and grandchildren warmly called Nannie-isms. Sayings such as I have a bone in my leg when she didnt quite feel good; Close your mouth there is a bus coming and the family favorite What did your last servant die of?

Jodie was a long time member of The Episcopal Church of The Holy Cross in Tryon. She loved the church and often was a reader where her still noticeable English accent made the readings enjoyable to all.

The family was very proud of Jodie when as an adult, she obtained her bachelors degree in History from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, in 1989 at the age of 54, where she was often on the deans list. At the graduation ceremony, her son yelled Go Mom! which brought a standing ovation from all.

She worked for Spartanburg County, SC, as a librarian for 20 years and was librarian at Boiling Springs and later Landrum, SC, from which she retired in 2000. She was known by so many people for her love of books and her love of people and especially children. People still remember her reading them stories at the library as a child or for calling to inform them of a recommended book she knew they would enjoy. She absorbed all she read and was a great source of information for anyone interested in pretty much anything especially English history.

Jodie was an avid walker for most of her adult life and was often seen walking for miles near the family home on Warrior Drive and around Harmon field with the family dog Lady and later, Miss Tea. Those that did not know her personally would call her That lady with the white dog and everyone knew exactly who they were speaking of.

Jodie never knew a stranger and always greeted people with a warm smile and usually with a huge hug. She made people feel immediately comfortable as if they were friends for years.

Jodie loved to travel and appreciated other cultures and their people and she especially enjoyed an evening out of fine dining especially when someone else paid.

Jodie is survived by her loving husband of over 50 years, Elmer, and her children Martin (Mary) and Jennifer as well as her step-son Mark (Penni). She was very lovingly known as Nannie to her five grandchildren Sydney and Zoey Bezanson of Mooresville, NC; Sarah Lashua of Frisco, TX; Katie (Scott and great-grandson Ethan) Geller of Lewisville, TX, and Tim Lashua of Columbus, IN. She is survived by one sister, Barbara Littlewood of Sittingbourne, England. Jodie was a firm believer that grandparents were meant to spoil their grandchildren and tried to do that at every opportunity often to their parents dismay.

Jodie was passionate about helping the needy and donated her time lovingly to Mobile Meals of Spartanburg County and often to Hospice and to childrens literacy.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2010 the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, 150 Melrose Avenue, Tryon, NC with Rev. Dr. Michael Doty officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mobile Meals of Spartanburg 419, East Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302, 864-573-7684, www.mobile-meals.org, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, NC 28722 or to Spartanburg County Library, 151 S. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306.

The family wishes to thank everyone at White Oak Manor and to Hospice for the care they provided and to all of her many friends and family that went out of their way to visit and pass on their well wishes.

The family asks that you celebrate Jodies life and carry on her spirit of caring in whatever way you can.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, NC.