Overseer Thelma Louise Cody

Overseer Thelma Louise Cody was born on December 17, 1926, in Thomasville, Georgia. She was the youngest of four children born to the late Carrie McAllister and Cleveland Bell Sr.

Overseer Cody attended Douglas High School. She graduated from Thomasville Extension Center of the American Baptist Seminary, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.  Overseer Cody served as dean of Beulah College where she enrolled, taught, and mentored countless students.

She was married to Deacon Charles T. Cody for 46 years until his passing in January 2000. On June 13, 1953, Charles, Thelma, Booker and Jewelry came together as a family. From this union, two daughters, Gwendolyn and Tangela, were born.

For 50 years, Overseer Cody dedicated her life to serving at Willow Head Missionary Baptist Church in many capacities. She was honored to serve as an Evangelist at First Missionary Baptist Church, where she was licensed to preach under the leadership of Dr. I. L. Mullins, and she also served at Family and Friends Missionary Baptist Church.

In 1996, Overseer Cody founded the Daughter of Zion Bible Center, and served as its pastor for more than 20 years. She had a particular passion for working with youth, providing them with both spiritual and physical nourishment at the Center on Saturdays.  She was deeply committed to both the women's ministry, Women of Wisdom and Kindness (WWK) and the brotherhood, along with many other charitable projects that provided numerous scholarships for the youth. Overseer Cody dedicated her time to serve with the Meals on wheels program, the American Cancer Society, voter registration and many other community services.

She was preceded in death by her siblings: Lizzie M. Pettis, Charlie M. Moore, and Cleveland Bell Jr., her beloved daughter, Jewelry C. Lewis and her dear granddaughter, Davalyn T. Hall.

Holding her memories close are her beloved children: Booker T. Hall, Jr. (Shirley) of Thomasville, GA; Gwendolyn Cody-Davis (Randy) of Chesterfield, VA; and Tangela C. Robinson (Lonnie) who were devoted caregivers to her in their Thomasville, GA home.
In her legacy, there are 12 treasured grandchildren, 23 cherished great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a great number of spiritual sons, daughters, and mentees.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Precious Hands Healthcare Services, as well as Renee Tarwick and the staff at Georgia Hospice Care, Bainbridge, Ga. for the compassionate care they provided to our mother during her final days.