Jamie Brody
KNOXVILLE - Jamie Cherry Talantis Brody, age 91 of Knoxville, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2023. She spent her last day surrounded by family who loved her dearly. Jamie was born in Columbus, Mississippi on October 1, 1931. The two-time Little Miss Columbus was as talented as she was beautiful. She was an accomplished baton twirler serving as Majorette for her high school. In 1950, she moved to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee to study education. She was a proud member of the UT Majorette team and lived for Game Day. She cherished her memories as a Majorette from 1950-1951 which were back-to-back National Football Championships. In 1951 she also met and married the love of her life Zelmore “Steve” Brody. She and Steve cheered on the Vols for nearly 50 years from the same seats in Neyland Stadium. When it wasn’t football season, they traveled the world together. Even after Steve’s passing in 2010, Jamie was intent to pursue her love of travel and she recruited her best friend and daughter, Pam, as her constant travel companion. Her family roots run deep in Greece, and it was a favorite destination many times. She loved to fish and had an amazing green thumb. She was incredibly proud of a 50 year old Wisteria tree that she grew from a sprig cut from her childhood home in Mississippi. It was a photo spot on the Dogwood Trail for many years, and she was always happy to share a cutting with her neighbors and passers by who stopped to admire it.
After teaching school for many years, Jamie began working at Knox County Juvenile Court where she served her community for nearly 30 years and made many friends. She was a member of Temple Beth El of Knoxville for more than 60 years. Known for her gentle spirit and ageless beauty, Jamie will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Jamie is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Zelmore H. “Steve” Brody; son, Samuel Mark Brody; parents, Mary and James Talantis; and sisters, Billie Ables, Mary Chido, Alexandra Fischer, and Evelyn Talantis. She is survived by her daughter Pamela Brody Branton; son-in-law Peter Branton and their children Jonathan, David (Courtney) and Blue (Linden Dean); sons Steven V. Brody, Michael D. Brody and daughter-in-law Jennifer and their children Jackson, Samantha, and Chase; multiple nieces and nephews; special lifelong friends; and dear puppy, Lily.
A service will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 2pm at Rose Funeral and Cremation- Mann (6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919). It will be followed by burial at New Jewish Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jamie’s memory to Alzheimer’s Tennessee 865-544-6288 or www.alztennessee.org or Young-Williams Animal Center 865-215-6345 or www.young-williams.org. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosefuneraltn.com.