Mary Stanford Bode

Mary Stanford Bode, 77-years-old, passed away on June 26, 2025, due to complications arising from a stroke she suffered in January.

She was born to Wilton and Margaret Gordon Stanford on October 16, 1947, in Jefferson City, MO. On August 10, 1968, she married James Bode in Jefferson City, who preceded her in death on January 31, 2008. Mary grew up in Jefferson City, MO, and graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1965. Following high school, she pursued higher education at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg and later graduated from Lincoln University in 1987. She was previously employed by the State of Missouri Workers’ Compensation division, Scholastic, and Capital Area Community Service Agency. For over 20 years, she also played a pivotal role in managing her husband’s construction business, Jim Bode Construction. Mary was a devoted member of Concord Baptist Church and found joy in teaching at Concord Kids.

She cherished spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks and traveling to various destinations, including Minnesota, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Michigan in recent years. Mary’s grandchildren were the light of her life.

Mary is survived by her daughters Jaala (Jim) Spratt of Jefferson City, MO and Bria (Jeff) Arnel of Jefferson City, MO. She is also survived by her five granddaughters: Alexa (Khalil) Diya of Columbia, MO, Kailey (Brittney) Thoenen of Shawnee, Kansas, Annie Spratt, Jayme Spratt, and Margaret Spratt, all of Jefferson City. Additionally, Mary has a great-grandson expected to arrive in August.  Sister Jo Ann Johnson of Centertown; brother: John Stanford and his wife Judy of California, Missouri; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Concord Baptist Church, located at 3724 W. Truman Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109, on Saturday, July 12th. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, and the celebration service will commence immediately thereafter. Pastor Chris Thomson will officiate the ceremony.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date at Riverview Cemetery in Jefferson City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either Jaala Spratt or Bria Arnel.