September 7, 1950 —January 11, 2025
Nelda Slaughter Henley, a beacon of kindness, creativity, and adventure, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, in Marble Falls, Texas. Born on September 7, 1950, in Mason, Texas, Jody’s life was a tapestry of love, service, and exploration, woven with the threads of family, work, and hobbies that brought joy to her and those around her.
Born Nelda Jo but was known affectionately to her friends and family as simply Jody, shared 57 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Johnney Henley, of Granite Shoals. Their enduring partnership was a testament to their shared values and love for each other. Jody’s legacy continues through her loving daughter, Shanna Henley of Corinth, Texas, and her son, Jason Henley of Del Valle, Texas. Her granddaughter, Marlena Henley of St. Louis, Missouri, will carry forward the spark of her grandmother’s spirit. Jody’s mother, Nina Florene Spinks Slaughter, and her brother, Stanley Slaughter (Cindy) of Huntsville, Texas, will hold her memory dear. She was preceded in death by her father, J.D. Slaughter, who no doubt welcomed her with open arms.
Jody’s early life in Mason laid the foundation for a woman of remarkable resilience and determination. She attended Victoria High School and, upon marrying Johnney at the tender age of 16, demonstrated her commitment to personal growth by earning her General Education Degree. The couple planted their roots in Granite Shoals, Texas, where they built a life filled with love, laughter, and the occasional roar of motorcycle engines.
For 25 years, Jody served the community through her work with Marble Falls I.S.D. She began her career as a bus driver, a role that allowed her to connect with many young lives and eventually ascended to the position of Assistant Transportation Director. Her dedication to her work was matched only by her dedication to her family and her passions.
Upon retirement, Jody and Johnney embraced the open road, traveling to 36 states and reveling in the diverse beauty of the country. South Dakota held a special place in Jody’s heart, with the majestic Black Hills calling her back time and again. The couple’s shared love for motorcycles took them to the famed Sturgis Motorcycle Rally three times, an experience that no doubt added to their trove of cherished memories. Their adventures culminated in a grand journey to Glacier National Park, a 5200-mile odyssey that showcased Jody’s adventurous spirit.
Creativity flowed through Jody’s veins, manifesting in her love for ceramics. Her talent was recognized with a blue ribbon for a beautifully crafted stein, and her desert scene lamps illuminated the homes of those lucky enough to own one. These creations were more than mere objects; they were expressions of Jody’s soul, imbued with her warmth and generosity.
Jody’s life was a portrait of a kind, creative, and adventurous soul who touched the lives of all who knew her. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her influence will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. As we say goodbye to Nelda Jo Slaughter Henley, we celebrate a life well-lived and a journey well-traveled. Her story does not end here, for it lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all the lives she brightened along the way.
