Jody Atkinson of Springfield passed away May, 30th 2012 in Louisville, KY. She was born March 6, 1943 to Jack and Daisy Hackley. Jody was a lifelong resident of Springfield. She attended Central High School, graduating in 1961. Jody retired in 2011 as property manager of the John B. Hughes Complex. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Buck Atkinson; four children, Kevin Atkinson of Springfield, Crystle Nell of Springfield, Jef Atkinson of Tulsa, Ok, Gene Atkinson of Tulsa, Ok; two sisters, Martha Long and Ann Rich both of Springfield; nine granddaughters and four great grandchildren. Jody was a member of the Elks Lodge Ladies Auxiliary serving as president from 1982-1984. Her greatest joy in life was her family and working with her extended family at John B. Hughes. She was honored with the Jody Atkinson Memorial Park, for all of her work preparing the children of the community for their first day at school. A celebration of her life will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Friday June 8, 2012, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Elks National Veterans Fund, Elks Lodge #409 2223 E. Bennett, Springfield, Mo 655804.