Josephine E (Jody) Rawding

“For He shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways.”

Jody was called to her Lord and our Savior on Saturday, February 10th from Kent General Hospital in Dover, DE.  Loved ones were with her.  She is free from a long, gallant battle with several illnesses.  She is reunited with her beloved son, Benny Rawding. 

Jody was born on April 21st, 1941 to the late David Faulkner and Sarah Reed Faulkner in Hartly, DE.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by siblings, Pete Faulkner, David “Buddy” Faulkner, Margaret Warner Faulkner, Grace Novic Faulkner; favorite niece, Debbie Feller; son, Benny Rawding and her beloved kitty cat children, Alley and Sandy.

Jody is survived by her sister, Doris, Murphy Faulkner; brother, Sam Faulkner (Margaret); son Steve Rawding of Florida; Grandchildren Stevie Rawding, Jr., Bobby Jo, Jennifer and Chrissey; nephews Phillip Murphy, Terry Murphy, Tommy Murphy, Vincent Murphy and Dale Murphy.  She is also survived by her fiancé and best friend of 37 years, Don Justice of Dover and his Daughter Jenna of Richmond, VA.  She also leaves behind a legion of friends and acquaintances gained and nurtured over the years.  Friends came easy to Jody.

Jody lived an adventurous life, after being orphaned as a young child.  She and her sister Doris spent some WWII years at Children’s Beach House in Lewes, DE, leading to a lifelong bond between the sisters. 

Jody spent several years in foster care.  She attended both Dover High School and Felton School.  She spent most of her working life as a professional bartender, tending bar in Delaware, Ocean City, Md, Oklahoma, New Orleans, and 12 years in her much loved, Savannah, GA and finally retiring from the Harrington Moose Lodge.  Many customers insisted only Jody mix their drinks-yeah, she was that good!

Her hobbies were varied and pursued with vigor.  She loved word seek and jigsaw puzzles.  She was an outstanding cook.  Her potato salad, crab cakes and crab imperial were world class.  She loved sharing them.  She also enjoyed going to the casinos, and eating out.  She was an accomplished crafter and loved yard sales and going to flea markets.  She especially loved the tranquility and peace of her and Don’s campsite at Trailsend Campground and spending much time in Chincoteague and on Assateague Island, VA. 

Her family would like to thank all the caring ladies at Compassionate Care, especially Mia, Sabrina, Renee and Kathy.  Also, the many nurses at Kent General Hospital and Dr. Hasan, who made her comfortable. 

Per Jody’s wishes, all of her services are private.  Anyone who would like to make a donation in Jody’s memory, may do so to the SPCA or St. Jude’s Hospital.

Jody, I am left with a broken heart and I will miss my best friend and hero.  You would want me to continue on, so I say Adios, Friend, until that day, until that day.-Don

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