Jodie Lee (Mathes) Tipton

Jodie Lee Mathes Tipton, age 78, of Unicoi, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center. She is a daughter of the late Oscar and Thelma Higgins Mathes. Jodie was born and raised in Erwin, and she also lived in Washington and Indiana before returning to Unicoi County in 1992.

Jodie graduated from Olnie College where she earned an Associates Degree in Nursing. She retired from the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in 2009 where she worked as an RN for several years. Jodie served as a nurse for thirty-three years.

Jodie was a member of Southside Freewill Baptist Church. She loved the Lord with all her heart and lived a godly life.

She enjoyed gardening, working outdoors, camping, and watching Wheel of Fortune. Jodie loved traveling to the beach, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge.

Jodie cherished her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved them dearly.

In addition to her parents, Jodie was preceded in death by her husband, Steven Tipton; her infant daughter; two brothers: Wayne and Thomas Mathes; sister, Brenda Luttrell.

Jodie leaves behind to cherish many precious memories, her son, Anthony Hutchins and his wife, Traci of Johnson City; two grandchildren: Meghan Hutchins (fiancé, Michael Goldsberry) and Lexi Hutchins; one step grandson, Dustin Shipley; two great granddaughters: Kalynn and Jayde McClain; two sisters: Shirley Lusk, Norma Adkins (Richard) and Danielle Buck (Josh) all of Erwin; two step daughters: Stephanie Edenfield (James) and Tracy Tipton, all of Erwin; her beloved dog, Daisy; several nieces and nephews also survive.

A private graveside service will be held for Jodie with Pastor Kevin Laws and Travis Lusk officiating. Jodie will be laid to rest beside her late husband in Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbeares will be Dustin Shipley, Micahel Goldsberry, Mike Elliott, Scott Elliott, Cody Elliott, and Craig Dougherty.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Hutchins/Tipton family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Hutchins/Tipton family. (423) 743-1380

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