Jodi

Sheila Jo “Jodi” Telford (76) made a final flight beyond this world on September 25, 2023, after several years of struggle through dementia. Born into a military family, Jodi began her worldwide travel in Decatur Illinois, then touched down in Texas, Germany, Hawaii, Boston, Chicago, and landed in Kennesaw Georgia for the last 43 years. The eldest of four siblings, she was big sister, first teacher, family connector, and best friend.

Jodi married James Dennis Telford of Macon Illinois before moving to the Chicago area for a career at Delta Airlines. Transferring to the Atlanta headquarters in 1983 she excelled in Customer Service and making friends. To complete her career, Jodi joined Worldspan until her retirement in 2009.

Together for 50 years, Jodi and Jim especially enjoyed travel by Goldwing motorcycle through the mountains and back roads of the Southeastern states all the way to the plains of Texas. Riding as a passenger on the back of the bike, on their own, or with a group of traveling companions, was always a brave adventure.

Jodi’s lifelong passion was her love of animals, particularly small dogs who were often severely neglected and abused. With a menagerie of creatures with feathers, fins or fur (sometimes three-legged, one-eyed, or traumatized) Jodi and Jim’s home was never dull or quiet. After retiring Jodi was able to live out her passion working with Pap 911, a nonprofit that focuses on medically fragile Papillons and other small breed dogs. She used her Delta retiree privileges and love of travel to fly rescued dogs to their new homes across the country. Her soaring compassion surely gave her wings.

Jodi is remembered as fiercely loyal, unflinchingly kind, and willing to go to any length for family, friends, strangers, and all God’s creatures alike. She made us care more, laugh daily, and love life with her.

To honor Jodi’s memory, please make a donation to your favorite nonprofit serving neglected, abused, or abandoned animals.

Please join us in celebrating Jodi’s remarkable life and cherished memories at a Celebration of Life gathering on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 2PM at The 1808 at 2871 Cherokee St., Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Jodi was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Harrington Sr and Vonnie, and is survived by her husband Jim Telford of Kennesaw GA; brother Chuck Harrington (Helen) of Austin TX; Lloyd Harrington Jr. of Snellville GA; sister Sue Breland (Loren Dewey) of Austin TX; Niece Melinda Zerfowski (Wade) of Snellville GA; Nephews Travis Harrington of Decatur IL, Derek Harrington and Sean Harrington of San Marcos TX; four great-nephews, a great-niece and many friends.