Brenda Joyce “Jodi” Floyd was never one to blend into the background. Unapologetically herself and wonderfully unfiltered, she always kept those around her on their toes. Jodi lived life with a spirit that was entirely her own. She knew the power of a giggle and exactly how to use it. She loved fiercely, laughed freely, and had a remarkable way of making people feel like family. To know Jodi was to know that life was never going to be dull.

Jodi’s hoedown in heaven began on Oct. 10, 2026, as she passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones. In true Jodi fashion, she went out every bit as sassy as she came in, keeping that unmistakable spark until the very end.

Jodi was born nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on June 23, 1961, in Lexington. She was welcomed into the world by her parents, Harry and Mildred Floyd.

Jodi spent much of her early life in Williamsburg, where she was also raised with the love and guidance of her aunt and uncle, Robert and Marie Hylton. They embraced her as their own, becoming her bonus parents and helping shape the woman so many came to know and love.

In the early 1980s, Jodi returned to the mountains of Rockbridge County alongside Robert and Marie, bringing her story back to where it began.

As a proud Monacan Indian woman, Jodi carried a deep appreciation for her heritage and the generations who came before her. Both a genealogist at heart and a natural storyteller, she found joy in uncovering family history and passing that knowledge on to others. Her curiosity was contagious. Through her dedication to preserving the past, she helped keep her family’s history alive for generations to come.

Of course, Jodi wasn’t just a keeper of stories from generations past. She spent her own life creating plenty of stories worth telling.

Of all the roles Jodi held throughout her life, none brought her greater joy than being a mother. She loved her children with all her heart and took immense pride in each of them. They were among the greatest treasures of her life.

For Jodi, family was never defined by blood alone. She had a remarkable way of welcoming people into her heart and claiming them as her own. Among those she held especially dear were her chosen sisters and lifelong friends. Their bonds were a kind reminder that some of life’s strongest family ties are the ones we choose.

Jodi was a gifted craftswoman. Her imagination seemed to know no bounds, and her hands were rarely idle. From her intricate traditional Native beadwork to working with leather, feathers, or whatever materials caught her fancy, she had a unique ability to turn ordinary things into something entirely her own. Her creations were as expressive and one-of-a-kind as the woman who made them.

Jodi loved to cook and never believed in making just enough. There was always plenty to go around. Her homemade apple butter was legendary, quite possibly the best in Rockbridge County and arguably all of Virginia. It was more than a recipe. It was a family tradition, and one the family looks forward to continuing in her honor.

Jodi leaves behind a legacy of laughter, creativity, and unconditional love. She taught those around her to embrace their individuality, cherish their roots, and never miss an opportunity to make a memory.

Greeting Jodi in heaven are her beloved son Shawn Michael “Peewee” Floyd, her father Harry Floyd, her brothers Barry Floyd and Kenneth Floyd Sr. and wife Linda, her aunt and uncle Robert and Marie Hylton, and her great-nephew Travis Smith.

Jodi is survived by her daughter Toni A. Floyd, son-in-law David Slough, cherished grandson Chase “Toot Toot” Slough, and mother Mildred Floyd. She also leaves behind her sister Sharon Moulton and brother-in-law Bernard Moulton, sister Beverly “Diane” Worthington, chosen sisters Charmaine Taylor and Kimberley Lilley, and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She is also survived by her beloved cat Roxy and dog Maggie.

There’s little doubt heaven is having a ball right now, and we know one thing’s for certain: Jodi found the coffee pot the moment she arrived.

To honor Jodi, she asked that you keep creating, share the apple butter, tell the family stories, and take pride in where you come from. Find reasons to laugh, practice forgiveness, and recognize the medicine you carry within. Never forget to appreciate the finer things in life, especially good-looking men and fine chocolate. Give someone you love a hug today. Be silly!

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.