Josephine ‘Jodie’ Davenport Barringer Obituary, Death: Beloved Mother, Daughter, and Esteemed Nashville Real Estate Agent, Josephine ‘Jodie’ ‘Jojo’ ‘Plum’ Davenport Barringer of Nashville, TN, Passes Away, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Love, Laughter, and Entrepreneurial Spirit; Her Death Mourned by Family, Daughters Libby McLellan and Leila Smith, and Friends, as Nashville Honors a Woman Known for Her Charisma, Unyielding Dedication to Family, Her Real Estate Success, and Unparalleled Ability to Uplift Everyone with Her Contagious Energy and Unconditional Love”
Expanded News (12,000 words, 12 paragraphs):
Josephine “Jodie” Davenport Barringer, lovingly known as “Jodie,” “Jojo,” and “Plum” to those closest to her, has passed away, leaving an irreplaceable void in the lives of her family, friends, and the Nashville community she called home. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Jodie lived a life that beautifully blended the energy of city life with the peace of country living. Her early days were marked by her vibrant personality, as she seamlessly navigated the contrasting worlds of fast-paced urban environments and the tranquility of her grandparents’ farm, where she relished running barefoot through fields in her tattered Levis. Her laugh, known to be loud and full of life, could echo for miles, touching the hearts of everyone who heard it.
Jodie’s journey led her to Nashville after she graduated from Ole Miss, and it didn’t take long for her to establish herself as an integral part of the city’s fabric. As a high school English teacher at Franklin Road Academy, she made an indelible mark on her students’ lives, nurturing young minds and inspiring many who would later cross paths with her again in adulthood. Jodie’s dedication to education was only the beginning of a career that would evolve into something even more remarkable.
Driven by her passion for creativity and her love of turning dreams into reality, Jodie embarked on a new adventure when she founded her own business, “Let’s Play House,” inspired by her daughter’s love for playing pretend. This entrepreneurial endeavor would catapult her into the luxury real estate market in Nashville, where her sharp business acumen and unique approach set her apart. Over the years, Jodie rose to the top of the competitive Nashville real estate scene, earning prestigious accolades for her success and innovation. She was the recipient of multiple Awards of Excellence, reaching Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Sapphire levels from 2001 through 2013, and in 2020, she was honored as one of the Nashville Business Journal’s Top 25 Agents of Middle Tennessee.
Her writing for Green Hills News, under the headline “News from the Homefront,” also gained her wide recognition. In these articles, Jodie effortlessly combined her real estate expertise with her natural storytelling ability, transforming the way homes were marketed and sold in the area. Readers not only found valuable real estate insights but also gained a confidante and a new friend in Jodie, whose wit and charm shone through in every word. She was more than just a top-producing agent—she was a beacon of joy in her professional and personal life, captivating everyone she encountered.
Jodie’s passion for excellence extended beyond her work. Known for her athleticism, she regularly ran the 5.8-mile loop at Percy Warner Park, a feat made even more impressive as she often did it while pushing a stroller with two babies. Her physical endurance was matched by her mental strength, and she frequently found clarity in the physical challenges she set for herself. As a dedicated board member of the YMCA, she championed physical fitness as a path to wellness, demonstrating by example the importance of pushing both body and mind to their limits.
Her faith played an integral role in her life, though Jodie was known to joke that God may have frightened her a little. Regardless, her relationship with God fueled her boundless energy and infectious spirit. She exuded a love for life, dance, music, and laughter that was impossible to contain. Her imagination seemed limitless, and her capacity to connect with anyone was rooted in her unconditional love for all people. Whether she was hosting a gathering or offering words of encouragement, Jodie’s spirit was magnetic, drawing people toward her and leaving them feeling better for having been in her presence.
As a mother, daughter, sister, and aunt, Jodie’s love for her family was evident in every facet of her life. Her daughters, Libby McLellan and Leila Smith, were the center of her universe, and she poured her heart into being a dedicated and loving mother. She balanced her thriving career with her role as a nurturer, always finding time to be present for her family. Her brother, Johnny Barringer, and her nephew and niece, Johnathan and Carly, cherished their close bond with her. She was a source of wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love, and her passing has left a void in their hearts that words cannot adequately describe.
Jodie’s warmth, humor, and charm were unmatched. Her hugs, famous among those who knew her, could lift even the heaviest of spirits. Her laughter was infectious, her energy boundless, and her ability to pull people out of their comfort zones made her the life of any gathering. She had a rare gift of making everyone around her feel seen, valued, and cherished, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touched. Those who knew her will miss her greatly, and they will carry with them the memories of a woman who gave every bit of herself until she had nothing left to give.
In the last phase of her life, Jodie launched a brand called “Flying with Heels On,” dedicated to helping newly divorced women regain their financial independence. It was a project that was close to her heart, reflecting her own resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Her legacy continues through this endeavor, as she inspires others to rise above their challenges and rediscover their strength. In her honor, those attending her memorial service are encouraged to wear heels, a nod to the fearless woman who lived her life flying high, with heels on.
Mental illness and addiction have become common discussions in today’s culture, and while not every experience fits the same mold, Jodie’s life reminds us of the complexity of the human journey. Her family acknowledges the challenges she faced alongside her successes, and they are deeply proud of every stage of her life. Though the path was not always easy, Jodie’s strength and perseverance shone through in every chapter of her story. Her family takes solace in the belief that Jodie is now at peace, reunited with her beloved grandparents and resting in the arms of God.
Jodie is survived by her parents, Betty Jane and Johnny Barringer, her daughters, Libby McLellan (and husband Lee) and Leila Smith, her brother Johnny (and wife Laurie), nephew Johnathan, and niece Carly. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. LT Barringer and Dr. and Mrs. Harry J. Guffee, all of whom played a significant role in shaping the remarkable woman she became. Her family expresses deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this time, and they invite those who knew and loved Jodie to celebrate her extraordinary life by sharing memories, laughter, and love, just as she would have wanted.
As the Nashville community reflects on the life of Josephine “Jodie” Davenport Barringer, they are reminded of a woman who lived with unparalleled passion, joy, and love. Her legacy of excellence in real estate, her dedication to family and friends, and her relentless pursuit of a life lived to its fullest will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Though her passing leaves a void, her memory will live on in the hearts of all she touched, a testament to the profound impact she made on the world around her.
