Rebecca Gaither Boddie, 81, of Ashland, died May 1, 2026 with loving family around her.
Becky was a native and lifelong resident of Ashland. She was a member of five generations of her family who call Ashland home, with her own home on the family’s farmland. She graduated from Clay County High School, where she was the Homecoming Queen, cheerleader, and Good Citizenship Girl. She attended Alverson Draughon Business College and retired from the Clay County Board of Education, where she held a central office position. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Ashland.
Life with Becky was unpredictable. One minute, she could wield the might of a freight train when she was on a mission she believed in. The next, she would show you a heart whose size Ashland itself could barely contain.
Never content to sit on the sidelines, she lived up to Clay County’s designation as the “Volunteer Capital of the State.” If there was a job that needed doing, Becky was usually at the helm. She was the real-life example of the cliché, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ She had the uncanny ability to turn naysayers into doers and make them think it was their idea all along.
She was the first woman elected to the Ashland City Council, serving 24 years from 1976 to 1988 and 2004 to 2016, and the first woman ever elected to public office in Clay County. Becky served as mayor pro-tempore from 1984 to 1988, chaired Ashland’s homecoming celebration in 2010, and chaired the committee that restored the historic courthouse clock.
She also chaired Clay County’s hosting of Museum on Main Street in 2014, a Smithsonian Institution exhibit, and she spearheaded the creation of an impressive local exhibit that was displayed alongside it.
When America went to war in Operation Desert Storm in 1991– as did her husband, Jerry – Becky coordinated massive volunteer efforts back home.
Becky’s tireless energy naturally led her to leadership roles including president of the Ashland PTA, serving on the board of directors of Cheaha Mental Health, the Clay County Historical Society, and the Committee for Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve. She also volunteered for the American Red Cross and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Becky received many accolades for her service, including Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, the Heart of an Eagle Award by the Boy Scouts of America, Honorary Chairperson of the Clay County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, and the Elizabeth Jenice Riley Memorial Inspiration Award in recognition of her lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life of children.
Her never-give-up spirit served her well when she faced life-threatening kidney cancer – and beat it. Inspired by her courage and her love for helping others, friends and family created an endowed research fund in Becky’s honor for renal cell carcinoma at the O’Neal Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
She loved politics, a healthy ‘debate,’ cooking, catering, parties, and all things Auburn. If you were lucky, you were on the receiving end of one of her famous apple cakes. She leaves behind a legacy of countless good works.
Her devotion to husband of 52 years, Jerry, and son, Guin, was unrivaled. There was no doubting the depth of her love for them. Throughout her life, she wore many hats and myriad titles, but the ones she treasured most were wife and mother.
She was preceded in death by her father, Otto Gaither, mother, Kate Willis Gaither, grandparents Kinion Gaither and Lonie Wood Gaither and Oscar Britton Willis and Minnie Brooks Willis. She is survived by her husband, Gerald L. Boddie, Sr., son, Guin Robinson (Tim Parker), stepsons, Gerald L. Boddie, Jr. (Amy) and David A. Boddie (Cammie), six step-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren, beloved cousin Mayo Raughton (Terry), in addition to numerous cousins and close friends.
Visitation is Wednesday, May 6, at First Baptist Church of Ashland beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held immediately after at Ashland City Cemetery.
The Honorable Judge John E. Rochester will deliver the eulogy, and the Reverend Ben Rosser will offer remarks. Arrangements are under the direction of Benefield Funeral Home.
The family welcomes flowers or memorial contributions to the Ashland City Park Fund, City of Ashland, P.O. Box 849, Ashland, AL 36251.
