Jody F. Defever

Jody Penrod Defever, 65, passed away on February 8, 2026, after a brave and courageous multi-year battle with cancer. Born on January 27, 1961, in Toledo, Ohio, Jody lived a life defined by love, music, learning, and generosity.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Carol Penrod.

Jody is survived by her devoted husband of 41 years, Brian Defever; her children, Brienne (Joey) Cates, Dakota (Stephanie) Defever, and Connor Defever; and her beloved grandchildren, Lilith, Leto, Mia, and Brady, who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her brothers, Bret and Mark; her mother- and father-in-law, Dennis and Patricia Defever; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law; cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jody graduated from Ida High School in 1978, where she was involved in softball, cheerleading, and band—early signs of the passions that would shape her life. She went on to attend Central Michigan University, earning a degree in Musicology. While there, she played clarinet in the marching band and was a proud member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity. Later, she earned her teaching certificate and a master’s degree in education, committing herself fully to a life of teaching and mentorship.

Jody spent most of her adult life as an educator, sharing her love of music and learning with generations of students. She taught music, band, show choir, and K–5 classrooms in Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Taylor, and Detroit. She retired from Lincoln Park Public Schools in 2023.

Beyond the classroom, Jody taught private piano lessons and played clarinet for many years with the Downriver Community Band.

Jody was caring, kind, generous, and incredibly smart—the person everyone wanted on their trivia team. She had a deep love for music, movies, art, and history, and she delighted in learning and sharing what she knew with others. Above all, she was brave and courageous, facing her illness with strength, determination, and grace.

Jody will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her music, her lessons, and her love will continue to echo through the lives she touched.

Visitation for Jody will be from 12:30 - 2:30pm  with her funeral service beginning at 2:30pm on Sunday February 15 at Weise Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions made to the Interlochen Center for the Arts would be appreciated.