Jodell Haun

The service at First Presbyterian Church-Grapevine will also be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=first%20presbyterian%20church%20grapevine .

To say Jodi Haun never met a stranger is the understatement of 2024. Wander into any small town with a Presbyterian church and mention her name, and the odds are you’ll discover a mutual acquaintance or two. Jodell Haun, known to all as “Jodi,” was born on June 11, 1957 and grew up in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She departed Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Grapevine on the afternoon of January 8, 2024 at age 66, to lead a chorus of heavenly “Energizer Angels.”

Jodi’s parents owned and operated a local sporting goods store, where she worked as a teenager, polishing her over-the-top people skills and growing a lifelong love of sports. Her parents joined First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater when she was 11 years old and at age 14, Jodi was confirmed there. While growing up, under the tutelage of Jan Noller, First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater’s Christian educator, Jodi discovered her zeal for Christian education. She developed a deep love for camping while working at Dwight Mission Presbyterian Camp in Oklahoma during her teen years.

Jodi graduated from C.E. Donart High School (now Stillwater High School) in 1975, and later graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. There, she developed an inexplicable affinity for the color known as OSU Cowboys’ orange, as blindingly, but proudly, displayed on the walls of her office. She loved playing her French horn in both her high school and OSU’s marching bands.

In 1982, she graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA. Upon completing her studies, Jodi became Director of Christian Education at Central Presbyterian Church in Waxahachie, serving as liaison between Central Presbytery and PCHAS (Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services). In 1985, she became Director of Christian Education for the youth of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Dallas where she remained for fourteen years. On November 17, 1999 Jodi started as DCE at First Presbyterian Church of Grapevine, where she served until her retirement on June 24th, 2023.

In other PCUSA leadership roles, Jodi served as a Ruling Elder, was a Certified Christian Educator, and served as moderator of Grace Presbytery, being the first Christian Educator to do so. She served on various Grace Presbytery committees in multiple leadership positions throughout her career, leaving her positive influence on everyone with whom she collaborated. Jodi was passionate about Grace Presbytery’s youth camps and conference ministry, Camp Gilmont, Mo Ranch, and Synod Youth Workshop. She also served on the board of Planned Parenthood.

Jodi dedicated her life to the spiritual growth and development of children with a fervor that inspired all who knew her. Though she never had children, each of the young people whose lives she touched knew that she considered them her own.

Jodi was always first to find the fun in any activity! She proudly wore all pink to the “Barbie” movie this summer and praised Ken’s expertise at “beaching,” though she thought he could have worked on his tan a little.

Jodi was the last surviving member of her immediate family, preceded in death by her parents Helen Maxine Brown Haun and Delmer C. Haun, and her brother, Hal Haun. She is survived by her sister-in-law Genny Lathron-Haun, her beloved dog-companion Gretl, and many adopted friends who became family (you know who you are!).

A Celebration of Life Service is being planned for Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Grapevine, 1002 Park Blvd., Grapevine, Texas 76051. The service will also be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=first%20presbyterian%20church%20grapevine . In lieu of flowers, please donate to Camp Gilmont in support of scholarships and expansion at www.Gilmont.org .