Eloise Virginia Cody , 94, of Spotsylvania, VA transitioned peacefully into the arms of the Lord on August 20, 2026.  Mrs. Cody was born on September 10, 1931, in Washington, DC to Arthur and Edith (Sayles) Evans and raised in Caroline County, VA, by her loving father and stepmother, Ora (Hackett) Evans.

Mrs. Cody attended Union High School in Bowling Green and dreamed of becoming a fashion designer in New York after spending many years with her aunts and uncles in Baltimore and Philadelphia. She fulfilled her desire to travel when she married her devoted husband of almost 80 years and began a life as a Marine Corps wife.  Among the many duty stations, the family lived in included Jacksonville, NC,  and Miami, FL.  However, Mrs. Cody was happy when her husband retired from Quantico where she was able to settle close to her family in the Fredericksburg area. She began working at Southland Distribution Center  (now McLane) where she made many lifelong friends and became "Momma Cody" to many. After retiring as a quality control inspector, she enjoyed the things she liked best - reading, traveling, cooking, cheering on her Philadelphia Eagles and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Fredericksburg for many years where she served as a deaconess, former President of the Gospel Chorus, member of the Women's League, member of the Nannie Bostick Missionary Society and the Co-Chair of the Kitchen Committee. Later during her membership with Hope Aglow Empowerment Church, she continued as a church deaconess and was honored as "Mother of the Church". She often volunteered in the community, where she chaired the Toys for Tots Drive for her church and she worked with the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank.

She was truly a beautiful and giving soul who never met a stranger and treated everyone like family. Whenever she entered a room, she was a beacon of light, love, laughter  and kindness and was always willing to share her wisdom and to listen without judgment.  She was a God-fearing woman whose actions and love for others demonstrated the essence of a true Proverbs 31 woman of noble character.

For her children, she sacrificed much to ensure they did not go without.  When her husband Johnny was deployed, she was "The Big E" to her family --mother, father, accountant, chauffeur, cook, counselor, coach and confidante. She made sure the entire household ran smoothly.

She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, support, understanding, and acceptance.

She was preceded in death by her son, Larry E. Cody, her infant daughter, Eileen Y. Cody; her parents Arthur Evans, Edith Sayles Evans and Ora Hackett Evans; and her sister, Dorothy Hayes.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband Johnny B. Cody of Fredericksburg, VA; her children,  Gilbert Cody (Carol) of Oakland, CA, Bernard Cody of Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic, Deborah Cody Williams (Tyrone) of Fredericksburg, VA , Veronica Cody of Fredericksburg, VA, Angela Cody Hinrichs (Kurt) of Ruther Glen, VA, and God-son Eric Morris of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Jonathan Cody, Synee' Vecchitto, Raeshaun Hackett, Baylor Cody, Jordan Point, and Kameryn Point; great-grandchildren Jalen, Reece, Francine, Jalan, Nehemiah, Janai, and Emma.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408, on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. An additional viewing will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site), 801 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA  22401, on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM. A repast will follow at River Club Church, 10835 Tidewater Trail, Fredericksburg, VA 22408. The interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Quantico, VA  22172, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that any memorial donations or contributions be made in honor of Eloise Virginia Cody to The Foundation Fighting Blindness (D.C. Metro Chapter) via mail to The Foundation Fighting Blindness, P.O. Box 45740, Baltimore, MD 21297-5470, or click here to make a donation onlline.